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It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. This month we will celebrate a Whitewater institution–Fairhaven. Our first image is an aerial view of the Fairhaven complex when it was first built in 1962. The concept of an old age home that provided independent living grew after World War II. As early as the late 1940s, the Congregational Church Conference in Wisconsin began talking about building such a home. In February of 1960, the conference announced they would build an old age complex, known as Fairhaven, in Whitewater. Preliminary planning began in 1960-61 and formal construction began in 1962. In November, the first residents moved into the complex, which consisted of four one-story buildings and one four-story building.
Join us next week for more history of Fairhaven from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(2128PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that has previously been provided by accounting students from UW-Whitewater is not available this year. They indicate that it might resume next year.
The only nearby volunteer service that still has appointments available is offered through AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, which provides tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income. You don’t need to be an AARP member to use the service. The closest location is at Elkhorn Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N. Wisconsin St. in Elkhorn. The service is also available at the Delavan public library. Appointments are required and may be made on Mondays and Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Call 262-723-2678 to make an appointment.
This site provides a list of documents that should be brought to an appointment.
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Do-It-Yourself (D-I-Y)
New free federal/state online program is available for those wishing to complete their own returns
| Gov. Evers, DOR Announce Start of Tax Season, Encourage Wisconsinites to Use New Direct File Services |
| Wisconsin taxpayers can file their taxes online directly for free with WisTax and new Direct File programs |
| Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), announced that the individual income tax filing season began on Mon., Jan. 27, 2025, and encouraged Wisconsin taxpayers to use the state’s WisTax and new federal Direct File services to file their state and federal income taxes online for free. “We’re working to make sure filing your taxes is as easy and as accessible as possible, and through these programs, we’re giving hardworking folks the option to file securely, easily, and directly—hopefully saving folks time and money and giving them some peace of mind,” said Gov. Evers. “This year, we’re also thrilled to be providing nearly $73 million in annual tax relief to over 110,000 Wisconsin taxpayers thanks to our new expanded child care tax credit. So, don’t wait, Wisconsin! Check out our new direct file program and file your taxes securely and directly this tax season.” Last August, Gov. Evers, along with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and DOR, announced that Wisconsin would join the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File program for filing season 2025, enabling eligible Wisconsin taxpayers to file their taxes online directly with the IRS for free. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, the average taxpayer spends approximately 13 hours and $270 to prepare their taxes each year. Direct File simplifies that process, saving taxpayers time and money. Additionally, when Wisconsin families file their taxes this year, they will see additional tax relief thanks to legislation signed by Gov. Evers last March to expand the current child and dependent care tax credit from 50 percent to 100 percent of the federal credit. This will help reduce the tax burden for families struggling to afford the high cost of child care and care for adult dependents. Over 110,000 Wisconsin taxpayers will see an average benefit of over $656 per filer, totaling nearly $73 million in annual tax relief. Wisconsinites can check to see if they qualify for the expanded Wisconsin child and dependent care tax credit here. The Direct File program was made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration through the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by Democrats in 2022, including Sen. Baldwin, who championed the Inflation Reduction Act and has been a staunch advocate for launching Wisconsin’s Direct File program to give taxpayers a no cost filing option for their federal taxes. Launched as a pilot program in a dozen states in 2024, Direct File users claimed more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees. The platform’s success and positive feedback encouraged the IRS to move forward with a rollout nationwide for the 2025 tax filing season. Direct File utilizes robust security measures to protect taxpayer information. Key security features include: Secure Data Transmission: Tax information is transmitted securely to the IRS using SSL 3.0 128-bit encryption. This creates as many combinations as the number of water molecules in 2.7 million Olympic-size swimming pools; Identity Verification: The program employs rigorous identify verification procedures to ensure the authenticity of filers. Direct File uses ID.me to help prevent identity theft and to protect taxpayer data; and Ongoing Security Monitoring: The IRS continuously monitors the system for any potential security threats. “We understand that tax information security is paramount,” said DOR Secretary David Casey. “The IRS has implemented strong safeguards to protect sensitive information throughout the Direct File process.” Eligible taxpayers can file using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. For eligibility requirements and additional information, visit directfile.irs.gov and revenue.wi.gov. After completing their federal returns in Direct File, Wisconsin taxpayers will be taken to WisTax to complete their state taxes quickly and easily for free. WisTax offers a modern web-based experience that is intuitive, easy to use, and mobile-friendly. This free platform was created to simplify the tax filing process for Wisconsinites and eliminate burdensome costs. Should taxpayers encounter problems while filing, a knowledgeable DOR customer service representative will be available to answer questions and help troubleshoot the issue. In addition to the Direct File and WisTax, Wisconsinites have other options for filing their taxes, including: Tax Filing Software: Numerous software options are available, ranging from basic to advanced, offering varying levels of guidance and support; Tax Preparer: Enlisting the help of a qualified tax professional can be beneficial for those with complex tax situations or who prefer personalized assistance; and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Free tax preparation assistance is available to eligible taxpayers through the VITA program, which is offered by community organizations and IRS-certified volunteers. To locate a site near you, use the VITA/TCE Locator Tool or the AARP Site Locator Tool. DOR’s Where’s My Refund tool is the quickest way for Wisconsinites to check their refund status, as it gives taxpayers instant access to the same information call center agents provide. To further assist taxpayers during this busy time, DOR’s Customer Service Call Center is extending hours in the weeks leading up to the filing deadline. Tax specialists will be available from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m. from April 1 to 3, April 7 to 10, and April 14 to 15 to accommodate taxpayers’ schedules. Individual tax filers are encouraged to visit the DOR website’s “Individuals” page, where they can find answers to common questions, forms and instructions, tax credit information, payment options, instructional videos, and other resources. |
UW-Whitewater senior guard Kacie Carollo (Whitewater, Wis./Whitewater) has been named the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year. The four-time All-WIAC honoree was joined on the All-WIAC squad by Katie Hildebrandt (McFarland, Wis./McFarland).
For the fourth consecutive season, a Warhawk has been named the league’s top player. Carollo follows Aleah Grundahl (DeForest, Wis./DeForest) who received the award the previous three seasons. In addition to the WIAC’s top honor, Carollo was selected All-WIAC for the fourth time and to the All-Defensive Team for the third consecutive season. This season, Carollo has led the conference in nearly every statistical category including scoring (21.2 per game), points (593), rebounding (9.2 per game), field goals made (202), free throw shooting (116 made, 84.1%), three-pointers made (73), assists (116, 4.1 per game), steals (62, 2.2 per game) and total minutes played (960). She ranks among the top 20 in Division III this season in points, points per game and three-pointers while holding top 50 marks in rebounds, field goals, free throws and assists. The four-time All-American (two honors from the Women’s basketball coaches association and two from D3hoops.com), set the WIAC record in career three-pointers this season and broke the program record for career rebounds – a mark that had stood for 41 years. Carollo currently has 28 career double-doubles – tied for the program record.
Hildebrandt, a fellow senior, claimed Honorable Mention All-WIAC recognition for the second straight season. The forward ranks among the top 20 in the league in scoring (9.0 per game), rebounding (5.2 per game), field goal percentage (40.0), free throw percentage (69.6), assists (1.6 per game), blocks (1.2 per game) and steals (1.0 per game).
Olivia Zuege (Green Bay, Wis./Preble) represented UW-Whitewater on the WIAC All-Sportsmanship Team this season. Carollo was also named the league’s Judy Kruckman Scholar Athlete for Women’s Basketball – awarded to the top senior in the conference.
These seniors helped lead the Warhawks to the program’s fourth WIAC Tournament Championship and ninth consecutive berth into the NCAA Division III Tournament. UW-Whitewater will open NCAA regional action for the 23rd time in program history Friday against Principia College. Tipoff is slated for 7 PM in Kachel Gym.
Estate Sale
N7877 E Lakeshore Dr.
March 7 & 8; 9 am to 4 pm
Everything must go! Furniture, Dressers, Twin & Full size bed, treadmill, computer, canoe, tools and many kitchen items.
A Banner Service: Garage Sale Ads
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 begin 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/estate 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. There is a charge for estate sales that are commercially hosted.
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. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.
Editor’s Note: The following information was provided by the Whitewater Community Foundation.
The Whitewater Community Foundation is now accepting applications for Spring Community Action Grants. Grants will be awarded to local non-profit organizations actively working to support the greater Whitewater community with educational, cultural, charitable and benevolent projects that will benefit and improve the community.
Projects are expected to be accomplished within a specific period of time (generally not more than one year) and should be creative, innovative and address community needs. Interested organizations can fill out an application at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gY51mjXwlRW3vKYr75UWyqL5By6Wgdb4/view The deadline for submitting applications is April 30, 2025.
Virginia Coburn, WCF Board Member who chairs the Community Action Grant Selection Committee, said, “I’m inspired by the number of local organizations sponsoring programs and projects to benefit the community. The Foundation has given grants to The Community Space, Whitewater Food Pantry, Bethel House, First United Methodist Church, St. Patrick Catholic Church, Whitewater Rescue Squad and many more. I invite you to read the pages on our website to see if one of your projects is eligible for an action grant.”
Organizations interested in pursuing a Whitewater Community Foundation Action Grant should check out the Foundation website: https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/?s=Action+Grants
or contact Ginny Coburn at virginiacoburn@coburn.com for more information.
The Foundation continues to provide and host scholarships for Whitewater High School students and also offers fiscal sponsorship to organizations that are seeking 501(c) (3) status or require temporary pass-through funds for worthy community projects.
More information about the Whitewater Community Foundation can be found at https://whitewatercommunityfoundation.org/ and on Facebook.
The Whitewater Community Foundation’s mission is to enhance quality of life in the Whitewater area via educational, cultural, charitable or benevolent expenditures.
On March 13, Whitewater has a chance to hear from a local community member who has seen dementia from both sides. Randy Cruse was a caregiver for his wife and he is now an educator with the Alzheimer’s Association. Randy will give a presentation on the Ten Warning Signs of Dementia on Thursday, March 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Community Center. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.
Randy’s talk will be interesting to all ages but especially to those age 40 to 50 which is when people typically find a loved one is in need of more help. The presentation will distinguish typical age-related behaviors from true signs of a problem. For example, age-related memory change that most of us experience includes forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. The brain is still able to “search its files,” find hints and logical connections to the type of information that needs to be brought forward. This is different from signs that might indicate Alzheimer’s or related dementias. A degree of memory loss that disrupts daily life such as forgetting recently learned information, forgetting important dates or events, asking the same question repeatedly and depending on friends or family members for things they used to handle on their own.
All of us need occasional help using microwave settings, recording a TV show or help with an unfamiliar computer task. That’s different from problems with daily tasks, getting lost driving to a familiar location, organizing a grocery list or remembering the rules of a familiar game. Those could be an early sign of dementia.
You will learn about several other types of behavioral changes that indicate your loved one should be evaluated for Alzheimer’s. These signs shouldn’t be ignored. New drugs and lifestyle changes have helped many patients. Knowledge about what the patient is feeling and going through can be invaluable to caregivers in navigating this new relationship. The community is cordially invited to Randy’s informative presentation on March 13.
For more information: https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/10_signs
https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/273/Seniors-In-the-Park
This article is submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help educate the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New committee members are very welcome! Contact jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater baseball team opened the season on February 28 with a double-header sweep of Asbury University in Kentucky. The Warhawks picked up right where they left off from last season, with a 26-4 mercy rule win in the first game. The Warhawks took the second game 12-2.
With the opening win, Head Coach John Vodenlich became the all-time Winningest Coach in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference baseball history. Vodenlich has collected 730 wins, surpassing Tom Lechnir (728, UWO: 1989-2013) for most wins as a head coach in the WIAC.
In the opening game, the Warhawks blasted two home runs in the first two batters. Aaron Holland (Wheaton, Ill./Wheaton North) and Matt Scolan (Downers Grove, Ill./South) each went the distance to put the Warhawks up 2-0 after only two batters.
The Warhawks went on to score 15 runs over the first three innings. Holland added another homer in the fourth for the warhawks only run that inning.
Asbury held UWW off the board in the 5th, but the Warhawks answered back with 10 runs in the 6th. Scolan hit his second homer of the game, a 3-run go to start off the scoring. Holland hit his third homer of the game to cap off the inning & put the Warhawks up 26-0.
Asbury managed to avoid the shutout, scoring four runs in the 7th inning, but the run-rule ended the game after seven.
Jack Hagen (San Clemente, Cal./San Clemente) picked up the win in the first game, going 5.0 innings with 4 Ks.
The second game started with 6 first inning runs from UWW, quickly setting the tone once again. Asbury added one run in the bottom of the third, keeping the game closer than the opener. But Eli Frank (Bayport, Wis./Bay Port) had a three-run homer in the top of the 9th to the Warhawks up 12-1.
An unearned run from the Eagles in the bottom of the ninth added another for Asbury, but Danny Hopper (Palatine, Ill./Palatine) closed out the game with a swinging strikeout.
Cade Hansen (New Braunfels, Texas/Smithson Valley) got the win, with 5.0 innings & only 4 hits.
The UW-Whitewater gymnastics team added entries to the program record book in multiple categories Saturday. The Warhawks honored the seniors with a huge 193.750-189.575 win over UW-Eau Claire in the final home meet of the season.
The UWW overall team total – 193.750 – is the second-highest team score recorded in program history. The Warhawks also tied the team vault record that they set earlier this season with a 48.550 on the apparatus. The floor saw the second-best team total ever recorded posted Saturday – 48.925. UW-Whitewater added the seventh-best team total on the bars – 48.400 – to cap a phenomenal evening in Russell Arena.
The Warhawks set the tone right off the bat with the eight (including exhibition) highest scores recorded on the apparatus. Carleigh Moore (Oregon, Wis./Oregon) led the way with a 9.75 followed by Elaine Copeland’s (Arlington, Texas/University Prep) 9.725. Brianna Balian (Peoria, Ariz./Sunrise Mountain) and Chloe Hammond (Ankeny, Iowa/Ankeny) each registered a score of 9.7 while Ava Pesch (Waterford, Wis./Waterford Union) and Alayna Fern (Gainesville, Fla./Gainesville) tallied matching 9.675s.
On the bars, it was Ariana Goodwin (Elgin, Ill./The Einstein Academy) with the top routine of the night. The freshman wrote her name in the program record book with a 9.8 – tied for the eighth-best in UWW history in the event. Kelsey Kollhoff (Miamisburg, Ohio/Miamisburg) was the runner-up with a 9.675. Copeland and Hayden Gough (Dallas, Texas/Dallas International School) shared third with scores of 9.65 and Paige Magel (Cary, Ill./Prairie Ridge) rounded out the scoring five with a 9.625.
Kristen Swiebocki (Naperville, Ill./Neuqua Valley) and Hammond paced UW-Whitewater on the balance beam with 9.7s to tie for second. Ashnaya Gupta (Carmel, Ind./Carmel) was fifth with a 9.6 followed by Kollhoff’s 9.575 and Magel’s 9.3.
Capping the meet on the always exciting floor exercise, the Warhawks combined for the best score since 2014 in the event. Moore and Kollhoff shared gold with incredible routines scoring 9.85. Zoe Jenks-Recker (Cottage Grove, Wis./Monona Grove) secured bronze with a 9.825 and Hammond was fourth with a 9.775. Copeland wrapped up the scoring five with a 9.625.
The Warhawks will head to La Crosse for the WIAC Championship/NCGA West Regional next Saturday. UWW, the top seed heading into the regional, will compete in the second session that is set to begin at 6 PM.
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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