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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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United Way of Walworth County Announces Opening of ARPA “Aid to Nonprofits” Round 6 Grant Applications
United Way of Walworth County would like to announce the opening of applications for the ARPA “Aid to Nonprofits” Round 6, effective at 12:00 p.m. Central Time on January 25th, 2025. The application period will close on February 28th, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time.
This grant funding is available to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits and 501(c)(19) veterans’ organizations in Walworth County. Organizations may apply for assistance of up to $9,000 to support their operations and initiatives.
To apply, please visit our website at unitedwaywalworth.org, navigate to the “More” section, and click on “ARPA Grant” for further details and to complete your application.
I am excited to continue supporting the vital work of nonprofits and veterans’ organizations in our community through this funding opportunity,
Brian Holt, Executive Director of United Way of Walworth County.
We encourage eligible organizations to apply before the deadline to ensure they have the chance to benefit from this much-needed assistance.
For any questions or additional information, please contact United Way of Walworth County. Email: director@unitedwaywalworth.org
Phone: 2623744474
Whitewater Housing Crunch: Expert Discussions Coming Soon! 
Whitewater is facing a critical housing shortage, and we’re bringing in top experts to discuss the challenges and solutions. Tune in to these upcoming meetings to learn how housing impacts our economy, workforce, and future growth.
February 20 – Common Council Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Derek D’Auria, Executive Director of Walworth County Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA)
Topic: How housing availability affects business development and workforce retention in Whitewater and Walworth County.
March 4 – Common Council Meeting @ 6:30 PM
Professor Kurt Paulsen, UW-Madison (Expert in housing policy, land use, and municipal finance)
Topic: Statewide housing trends and what they mean for Whitewater.
Why does this matter?
Single-family rentals: Nearly nonexistent
50%+ of renters are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing
Watch our new housing video and learn more about what’s being done to address Whitewater’s housing crisis. https://youtu.be/Znzd_eeJwWI?si=2vMKufp3dWX-uYuY
Let’s have a fact-based conversation about housing solutions that work for our community! Join us at these meetings or watch live online.
Editor’s note: The following is excerpted from an article that was published on the UW-Whitewater website. This Banner article highlights the recognition of Glenn C. Hayes. Another Banner article will feature Katie Kuznacic’s recognition.
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner, Finn Hartnett
Two members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater family — each known for their passion, energy and commitment — earned spots on the BizTimes Media 2025 Notable Leaders in Higher Education list.
Glenn “Doc” Hayes, a champion of music and cornerstone of the university’s College of Arts and Communication, and Katie Kuznacic, a campus leader and productive fundraiser, were recognized by the publication as leaders in higher education in Southeastern Wisconsin.
“Doc and Katie are great representatives of our university. They are passionate and caring leaders, and I congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition,” Chancellor Corey King said. “They embody what we describe as Warhawk Bold in their spaces, and have each demonstrated their positive impact well beyond campus.”
Hayes “one of the best on campus”
Hayes, director of bands and professor of music, is in his 38th year as a member of the Warhawk family. He has conducted performances at some of the world’s most famous venues while evolving UW-Whitewater into one of Wisconsin’s leaders in music education.
Under his direction the Symphonic Wind Ensemble became the first university band from the state to perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2013 and, one year later, at the Symphony Center for the 2014 Chicago International Music Festival. The group performed again at Carnegie Hall in 2020 and will return to the world-famous venue for a performance this spring.
The Warhawk Marching Band, also directed by Hayes, has performed 12 times at Lambeau Field — most recently in 2023 [a 13-minute video of that performance day may be viewed at the link] — and three times during the Milwaukee Brewers’ Opening Day ceremonies.
“I am so honored to receive the BizTimes Notable Leaders in Higher Education honor,” Hayes said. “There are so many phenomenal people on our campus! I cannot adequately express my gratitude in representing the university in this way. I’m so blessed to receive truly extraordinary support from our administration, my colleagues and the phenomenal students that I have the joy of assisting on their journey. UW-Whitewater is a remarkable family! I am eternally thankful that my path led me here.”
Hayes’ impact reaches well beyond campus. He has been involved with nearly a dozen state and national organizations, presenting at more than 20 national and international conferences and guest conducting on four continents. He has earned numerous university, state and national awards, including induction into the Wisconsin School Music Association Marching Band Hall of Fame and the Signature Sinfonian National Award from Phi Mu Alpha for character, leadership, scholarship, and a career of achievement in advancing music. He is a recipient of the university’s Dr. Elmer G. Redford ’59 Faculty Service Award (2012) and the Outstanding LGBTQ+ Ally Award (2022).
Under Hayes’ leadership, UW-Whitewater has hosted the Wisconsin High School Marching Band Championships for each of the last 32 years and has coached thousands of youth through its high school band camp, which has been in existence for more than 50 years.
Hayes has mentored hundreds of Warhawks during his time on campus, including students, faculty and staff who’ve launched and/or enhanced careers in music education and other industries.
“’Doc’ is more than worthy of this recognition — quite simply, he’s one of the best on campus,” said Michael Dugan, dean of the College of Arts and Communication. “He is a leader on our campus and a respected global figure in the musical community. It is a joy to work with him each day as we move the Department of Music and the College forward.”
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Emy Islas has been chosen by the faculty at Whitewater High School to attend the Wisconsin Leadership Seminar at Carroll University in Waukesha June 13-15, 2025!
Emy will participate in team-building activities, hear motivational speakers, and participate in small group discussions designed to develop additional leadership skills in sophomores across the state of Wisconsin. Congratulations, Emy!
Article Submitted by Pam Sonmor-Wintz
Whitewater High School Counselor
psonmorwintz@wwusd.org
The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire extends congratulations to the students named to the fall 2024 dean’s list. Their academic performance has been outstanding, and we recognize these students with pride.
Congratulations, Blugolds!
Dean’s list eligibility requirements:
At the end of each semester, each of UW-Eau Claires four colleges recognizes excellence in scholastic achievement by publishing the dean’s list.
To be eligible, a student must:
– Be in good academic standing.
– Have a minimum semester GPA of 3.70.
– Have completed at least 12 credits during the semester, with no incompletes, no courses below the 100 level, no repeats and no Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory registrations (except in degree credit-bearing courses that are offered only on the S/U grading system in which a grade of S has been earned).
Students from your area who were named to the Dean’s List are:
Whitewater, WI
Quincy Boudreau, College of Arts and Sciences
Alex Meyer, College of Business
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team hosted Beloit Memorial on Tuesday, January 29th. The boys pulled off a big win on Senior Night beating Beloit Memorial 108 to 61. The night was spent celebrating our seniors and all their success in the pool as Whippets!
Senior Jack Hefty went a season best time in the 200 IM with a time of 2:24.55 and a lifetime best in the 100 Breaststroke with a time of 1:13.31; he sits 10th on the Top 10 List.
Senior Myles Morse went season best times in both of his individual events and won both events on the night. In the 200 Freestyle he went a time of 2:08.17 and in the 500 Freestyle he recorded a time of 5:38.94.
Senior Miles Nickelsburg went a lifetime best in both of his events. Miles won the 50 Freestyle with a time of 26.62 and put up a great swim in the 500 Freestyle where he dropped 16 seconds to go a time of 5:51.05
Senior Andrew O’Toole went a lifetime best in the 50 Freestyle going a time of 27.07. Andrew also continues to swim a strong 100 Backstroke and recorded a time of 1:24.17.
Senior Isaac Straight dropped 2 seconds in his 50 Freestyle going a time of 37.19 and dropped 6 seconds in his 100 Breaststroke going a time of 1:32.35.
Other highlights from the night included Cruz Aranda going 2/2 in best times in the 100 Fly going a time of 58.98 putting him 6th on the Whippet Top 10 List. Langdon Coburn also had a stellar 100 Fly going a time of 59.26 where he now sits 7th on the Whippet Top 10 List! Wyatt Esch and Xavier Ortiz tried out new events for the first time and both absolutely crushed them! Caleb Kluck dropped 7 seconds and Sam Nickelsburg dropped 13 seconds in the 200 Freestyle. David Enns dropped 3 seconds in the 100 FR going a time of 1:03.98.
The Whippets close out their regular season on Thursday, January 30th at home against Delavan-Darien. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm; come cheer on the Whippets at their last home meet!
Article and Photos Courtesy of 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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