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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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Did you know that the Whitewater Banner website offers easy access to various community newsletters? Whether you’re looking for updates from local organizations, city news, or special interest groups, you can find them conveniently listed in the menus on the left side of the website.
One highlight is the regularly updated Seniors in the Park Newsletter, which provides the latest information on programs, activities, and resources for Whitewater’s active senior community. This newsletter, along with others, ensures you stay informed about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and local happenings.
Be sure to check back frequently, as these links are updated regularly with new editions and announcements. Stay connected, stay informed, and make the most of everything Whitewater has to offer!
Article submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by geralt from Pixabay.
On Thursday, January 30th the Whippet Boys’ Swim Team held their final conference dual meet at home against Delavan-Darien. The Whippets closed out the regular season with a 126 to 32 win over the Comets. The boys went 21 of 28 best times and even had a few try out a new event.
Angel Kilar and Jack Hefty both swam the 200 Free for the first time this season, Angel swam an impressive 2:58.78. Jack won the event with a time of 2:00.86, with Mateo Bazeley close behind where he went a 2:02.90, dropping 8 seconds. Jack’s time put him 10th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
Andrew O’Toole gave the 200 IM a shot and had a great swim going a time of 2:48.93. Xavier Ortiz stepped up to the challenge and crushed his previous time by 20 seconds.
Sam Nickelsburg, Isaac Straight, Cruz Aranda, and Langdon Coburn all went best time in the 50 Free.
Jack Hefty dropped 4 seconds in his 100 Butterfly going a time of 1:02.66, and Myles Morse dropped 8 seconds going a time of 1:03.90.
Wyatt Esch continues to drop more time in the 100 Freestyle going a time of 1:02.50 while battling it out against teammate Andrew O’Toole who went a time of 1:02.36.
Langdon Coburn and Caleb Kluck both gave the 500 Freestyle a try for the first time. Langdon went a time of 5:47.80, and Caleb went a time of 6:54.94. Sam Nickelsburg had a massive time drop; he dropped over 42 seconds going a time of 6:38.94.
Myles Morse swam the 100 Backstroke for the first time this season going a 1:11.98. Wyatt Esch dropped 3 seconds going a 1:14.50.
Cruz Aranda and Mateo Bazeley both swam the 100 Breaststroke for the first time. Cruz went a time of 1:10.70, which puts him 8th on the Whippet Top 10 List. Isaac Straight continues to drop time going a time of 1:29.60.
The Whippets are now headed into Championship Season. We have JV Conference up first on Tuesday, February 4th.
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Wrestling Results (Oregon 38.0 Whitewater 36.0) – Varsity
Oregon @ Whitewater on 02/01/2025
106: Cooper Housel (WTWR) over (OREG) (For.)
113: Juan Garrafa (WTWR) over (OREG) (For.)
120: Sam Fahey (OREG) over Jarvis Porcaro (WTWR) (Dec 5-1)
126: Evan Fahey (OREG) over Jasen Porras (WTWR) (Fall 1:01)
132: Caden Schwartz (OREG) over Brady Friend (WTWR) (MD 16-2)
138: Cade Aaberg (OREG) over Keenan Sheffield (WTWR) (Fall 0:28)
144: Connor Friend (WTWR) over Thomas ruth (OREG) (Fall 1:49)
150: Braeden Bakken (OREG) over Traysen Thomason (WTWR) (Dec 7-6)
157: Kaleb Klitzman (OREG) over Max Babcock (WTWR) (MD 12-0)
165: Avi Kalra (WTWR) over Camden Wood (OREG) (Fall 3:47)
175: Tomas Neumann (OREG) over Richi Kalra (WTWR) (Fall 1:29)
190: Paxton Krengel (OREG) over Trevor Piper (WTWR) (Fall 1:18)
215: Austin Retzlaff (WTWR) over Riley Black (OREG) (Fall 1:32)
285: Junior Soto (WTWR) over Ari Kamin (OREG) (Fall 3:10)
You can find more details regarding this dual using the following link:
https://www.trackwrestling.com/tw/seasons/LoadBalance.jsp?pageName=DualMatches.jsp&dualId=8341743132
Information Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
She is focused on cherishing all the time she has with family and friends.
Area businesses, organizations, and friends have been stepping up to help raise money for a beloved friend and colleague who is battling cancer.
Kristina Heimsch, a Nurse Practitioner at Rainbow Community Care, was recently
diagnosed with an incurable form of esophageal cancer. She and her family now face an uncertain future. Kristina is no longer able to work and continue caring for patients and families and faces the rising cost of medical bills and lost wages. Rainbow Medical Director Dr. Thom McGorey partnered with several area venues to perform a special fundraising concert series in December to help support Kristina and her family.
Dr. McGorey and several of Kristina’s coworkers at Rainbow have arranged an upcoming 9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament at Rock River Lanes (1010 Larsen Rd.) in Fort Atkinson next month that will unofficially wrap up the Concerts for Kristina fundraising series.
The bowling tournament fundraiser takes place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 12 to 4 p.m. Participants can choose between two sessions of bowling, each lasting two hours. Start times will be at 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. (with a ten-minute warm-up). Teams on adjacent lanes will alternate lanes for each frame, and each team will bowl two games in their two-hour session. 16 lanes will be used for bowling with up to teams of four people per lane. 9-pin tap means bowling a 9 on your first ball of any frame counts as a “strike” with regular scoring otherwise. No handicaps will be used. You can register as pair or a foursome (pairs will be joined to form a four-person team on each lane).
The cost is $50 for a pair or $100 per team and includes two games of 9-pin tap bowling, shoe rental, one free soda, and silent auction/door prize tickets. Free snacks and desserts will be available throughout the day. Dr. McGorey will be performing live music from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring many popular songs from the 1950s-80s and taking requests from an extensive catalogue of songs (for a small donation). Additional food is also available for purchase from the kitchen.
You can pay through Venmo by entering “concertsforkristina” in the search bar or you can pay in person at the event by cash, check, or credit card.
You do not need to bowl to participate in the event. You can just come out to watch and cheer on the bowlers, enjoy the snacks, listen to the music, and join in on the fun. Tickets will also be sold for drawings on door prizes, and anyone could go home a winner.
For more information and to sign up online for the Concerts for Kristina- 9-Pin Tap Bowling Tournament, visit https://bit.ly/concertsforkristina.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Rainbow Community Care. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay.
Prioritizing health and wellness is key to maintaining an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Seniors in the Park offers a variety of classes and activities designed to promote strength, balance, flexibility, and overall well-being. Whether you prefer yoga, Tai Chi, or a simple indoor walk, there’s something for everyone! [Though the registration deadline has passed for some sessions that begin this week, it might be worth calling to see whether a late registration might be accepted.]
Yoga with Brienne
- Mondays, March 3-April 28 | 10:00-11:00 AM
- Fridays, March 7-April 24 | 10:00-11:00 AM
This one-hour class will focus on basic yoga postures to stretch, strengthen, and tone your entire body. Classes are held in-person at Cravath Lakefront Community Building or online via Zoom.
Monday Fee: $35 members; $49 non-members
Friday Fee: $30 members; $42 non-members
(No class March 14, 17 & April 18, 21)
Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 28
Qi Gong
- First, second, fourth, and fifth Monday | 1:00-2:00 PM
Follow along with a Lee Holden DVD to experience an easy routine that promotes vitality and joy at any age or ability level.
Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (8-Week Beginner Course)
- Tuesdays & Thursdays, March 4-April 24 | 3:00-4:00 PM
This gentle movement class helps improve strength, balance, and flexibility. No prior Tai Chi experience necessary!
Deadline to Register: Thursday, February 27
Indoor Walking
- Wednesdays & Fridays | 10:00 AM
Join our indoor walking group and stay active despite the weather. We will walk along to “Walking Off the Pounds” DVDs.
“Fun”ctional Fitness
- Virtual: February 3-27 | Fee: $12 members; $24 non-members
- Next session: March 3-31
- In-person: Mondays & Thursdays | 9:30 AM
Experience a dynamic routine to promote coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility. Online participants register for the month; in-person participants pay per session.
Daily Fee: $1.50 members; $3.00 non-members
Deadline for February session: Thursday, January 30
Register Today!
Register at Seniors in the Park, 405 W Starin Road Monday through Thursday, 9 AM – 3 PM.
For more information, contact Jennifer Jackson at (262) 473-0535 or jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov.
Stay active, stay healthy, and join us for these fantastic wellness opportunities!
Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Understanding the options available for compassionate end-of-life care can bring comfort and clarity to individuals and their loved ones. Join Dana, a nurse from Rainbow Community Care, for an insightful presentation on Tuesday, February 4, at 1:00 PM at Seniors in the Park, 504 W Starin Road, as she explores the essential aspects of palliative and hospice care and their impact on aging with dignity.
This comprehensive session will provide valuable information on how guided care can enhance quality of life, address pain management, and support individuals and families navigating life’s final stages.
Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 30 [Late registrations will almost certainly be welcome.]
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to ensure comfort and dignity in end-of-life care.
For more information and to register, please contact Seniors in the Park Monday through Thursday, 9 am—3 pm at the Senior Center or by phone at (262) 473-0535 or email Senior Coordinator Jennifer Jackson at jjackson@whitewater-wi.gov.
Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc.
Image used with permission of City of Whitewater Parks and Recreation – Seniors in the Park Newsletter
UW-La Crosse announces fall 2024 Dean’s List
The following area students have been named to the Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse for the fall semester of the 2024-25 academic year, ending in December.
Qualification for the Dean’s List is limited to students who have attained outstanding academic achievement. To be eligible, students must have earned at least a 3.5 semester grade point average and carried a minimum of 12 credits.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, founded in 1909, is one of 13 four-year institutions comprising the Universities of Wisconsin. UWL offers 130-plus degree programs from undergraduate to doctoral levels in arts, social sciences and humanities; science and health; business; and education. UW-La Crosse – www.uwlax.edu – is a top-ranked national university. It is the No. 1 public university in Wisconsin with fewer than 25,000 students, according to Niche’s Best Colleges ranking.
Students on the Dean’s List from this area include:
Whitewater, WI
Ethan Dugan, International Business Major
Caroline Skindingsrude, Elementary/Middle Education Major
Catherine Skindingsrude, Biology Major
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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