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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Be Kind Whitewater.
Be Kind Whitewater Committee is currently planning monthly events for the year. A grassroots community-based group, Be Kind Whitewater is a non-partisan group that promotes kindness and civility for the betterment of our community and region.
Join us for a Love and Kindness karaoke party, which will be held at Snug Harbor from 8 until 10 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. Snug Harbor is located at W7785 Wisconsin Parkway, Delavan. This event promises to be filled with great music and entertainment.
The evening is hosted by Snug Harbor, Be Kind Whitewater, and the Whitewater High School Key Club. Come early and enjoy a meal at Snug Harbor with the whole family.
To Keep up with Be Kind events watch the Whitewater Banner and our Facebook page at BeKindWhitewater or visit our newly minted website at https://bekindwhitewater.weebly.com
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
This month we are showing you some business-related photos from the mid-20th century. We start with this winter view of the Whitewater Co-op that was located where Casey’s gas station on East Milwaukee Street is located today. The co-op was an important business, especially for farmers. The business offered discounts to members and had a large gas station at their location.
Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(5468P, Whitewater Historical Society)
A bonus: Last week’s #FlashbackFriday that wasn’t posted yet
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society.
We are sure you are as tired of seeing these old winter views as you are of winter by now, but here is another historical look at lots of snow. This is an important picture in looking at the history of downtown. It is the north side of the west block of Main Street (west of First St.) and none of these buildings are extant. Because we know this view is from around 1880, it gives us good information on what this part of downtown looked like before all the newer buildings were constructed. In the foreground is an old hotel that was replaced around 1890 by a two-story brick commercial building that was, in turn, replaced by the one-story building that sits there today, the old Schultz Brothers dime store or what is today Main Street Shops.
(0370ST, Whitewater Historical Society)
On Saturday, February 1st, 18 students competed in the FBLA Regional Leadership Conference in Middleton. Several students earned top placements and qualified for the state competition in Green Bay. Atreya Wilson placed 2nd in Entrepreneurship, Maddi Morton, Maggie Mass, and Zoe Zei placed 2nd in Digital Video Production, and Ameera Lin placed 3rd in Intro to Public Speaking.
Article and Photos Submitted by Baron West
Whitewater High School FBLA Advisor
bwest@wwusd.org
Dir. of Faith Formation Job opening –
Provide leadership in the design and implementation of programs for adults, young adults, youth and children to build a solid formation for adult spirituality, Christian living and ministry. Spanish language skills preferred but not required. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org
Business Manager job opening –
The Business Manager is responsible for providing financial and administrative oversight and counsel to make for an efficient and fiscally responsible parish. Visit our website for full description, stpatrickwhitewater.org
Calling All Musicians!
The Congregational UCC will be having our last worship service on Sunday, April 27th – and we would like to have a celebration of being here since 1840. For the celebration on April 27th the UCC in Whitewater, Wisconsin, would like to invite you, your friends, or family to take part in a music extravaganza!
All players of any instrument will be welcome to play an arrangement of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” The celebration will include (but not require) the opportunity to play solos, have fun, eat food, and celebrate with the members of the congregation at their last service. Being a member of a church is not a requirement. Please make sure you are available from 9 am until 12 noon on Sunday, April 27th.
Please expect to rehearse 45 minutes before the start of the service. Small compensation will be provided for travel and time.
If you are interested, please contact the Office Manager – Renea Zuehlke at renea.wwucc@sbcglobal.net or by phone 262-473-4101. Please respond by March 31st at 4 p.m. with your name, best way to contact you, the city you are traveling from, and instrument you will be playing. In April, more details will be provided along with music, finalized worship and rehearsal times, and any additional instruction.
Thank you!
Students in the Whitewater Unified School District have achieved significant
growth in literacy over the past year, according to Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) assessment scores.
Literacy proficiency in the district’s elementary schools has grown from 31.5% at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year, to 53.4% in January 2025. The achievement has come about due to the WUSD educators, specialists, coaches, paraprofessionals, and administrators implementing research-based literacy instruction that is transforming student outcomes.
“This collective achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to student success,” said Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty. “We are proud to see our efforts making a measurable impact, and we remain dedicated to fostering a future in which every student becomes a confident, capable reader.”
WUSD staff have embraced ongoing professional development in structured literacy and the Science of Reading, leading to the creation of impactful, data-driven instruction. The district’s adoption of Into Reading by HMH, a universal literacy curriculum, has provided a solid foundation for daily instruction, emphasizing the five essential components of structured literacy: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency.
Additionally, the implementation of Systematic Instruction in Phonological Awareness, Phonics, and Sight Words (SIPPS) and Sound Partners has strengthened intervention strategies, ensuring students receive targeted support tailored to their needs.
WUSD’s literacy success has drawn attention from other districts across Wisconsin. During the first semester, WUSD welcomed educators from Adams-Friendship, East Troy, Janesville, Jefferson, Lake Mills, Ripon, and Watertown to observe and learn from its Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 literacy instructional practices.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
FAYETTE, IA — Upper Iowa University is pleased to announce the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. To be honored, the undergraduate must have earned a minimum 3.50 GPA and be enrolled as a full-time student.
Among those named to the Dean’s List was Avery Agnew, a Exercise Science major from Whitewater, WI.
About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, nonprofit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to roughly 5,500 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, Campus, and education centers through the U.S. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, affordable, and quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.
The Whippet Swim Team had four compete at JV Conference on Tuesday, February 4th. Angel Kilar, Sam Nickelsburg, Xavier Ortiz and Isaac Straight all showed up and swam some really strong and impressive races.
The four of them teamed up to compete in the 200 Medley Relay. Each of them put up impressive splits, Xavier 37.41 in the 50 Back, Isaac 40.44 in the 50 Breaststroke, Sam 32.71 in the 50 Fly, and Angel 36.43 in the 50 FR. Their times were good enough for a 3rd place finish!
Sam crushed his 200 Freestyle dropping 7 seconds and securing a 5th place medal finish!
Isaac and Angel both swam some pretty fast 50 Freestyles finishing 10 & 12 respectively.
Angel had an 8th place finish in the 100 Freestyle going right on his best time!
The four of them worked together to secure another 3rd place finish, this time in the 200 Freestyle Relay!
Isaac and Xavier took on the 100 Breaststroke. Isaac dropped 3 seconds to go a time of 1:26.61 and take home a 4th place medal. Xavier also dropped over 4 seconds to go a best time of 1:36.54 and finished 7th overall.
Up next, the boys will be competing at the Southern Lakes Conference Meet at Beloit Memorial on Saturday, February 8. Swimming starts at 11 am; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
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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