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Today is Thursday, October 8, 2026

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Whitewater Police Dept. Invites “Kids of All Ages” to a Fishing Event

August 7, 2026

Enjoy a Summer Evening Filled with Music: Tuesday, August 11th

August 7, 2026


Join us for another FREE Community Concert at beautiful Cravath Lakefront Park as the Palmyra-Eagle Community Band takes the stage!

Sit back, relax, and enjoy an evening of live music featuring a variety of favorites—from patriotic selections and Broadway hits to pop classics and timeless tunes. There’s something for everyone!

Come early and enjoy the Whitewater City Market from 4:00–7:00 PM in the main Cravath Lakefront parking lot! Browse local vendors, pick up fresh produce, handmade goods, delicious treats, and then head over to the concert for the perfect summer evening.

Admission is FREE! We look forward to seeing you at the park! 

Universal Blvd. – Prospect Dr. Water Main Replacement Project

August 7, 2026


The City anticipates that work will begin on the Universal Blvd –Prospect Drive Water Main Replacement Project during the middle to late part of the week of August 10, weather permitting.

The project includes:

  • Replacement of deteriorated water main
  • Installation of underdrain
  • Placement of new base course
  • New asphalt pavement
    Construction will take place from the intersection of Executive Drive and Prospect Drive to the
    intersection of Universal Blvd and Industrial Drive.
    Traffic Impacts:
  • The Executive Drive/Prospect Drive intersection will be closed to traffic during construction.
  • The Universal Boulevard /Industrial Drive intersection will remain open to traffic.
    The project is expected to be completed by the end of September 2026.

    Thank you for your patience and cooperation as these improvements are completed.

    Bradley Marquardt
    Director of Public Works
    (262) 473 -0139
    bmarquardt@whitewater -wi.gov

Swift Night Out at Whitewater Middle School on Saturday, August 29 – 7 pm / Salida nocturna agil

August 6, 2026

Hello “Swifties!”   The public is invited to see a spectacle of nature on Saturday, August 29 at 7 pm when almost one thousand Chimney Swifts dive at dusk into the Whitewater Middle School chimney to roost before migrating 3,000 miles to the Amazon.   In addition to the main attraction, Fellow Mortals Wildlife Rehabilitation Hospital in Lake Geneva will show birds and other wildlife that have been nursed back to health but cannot be returned to the wild.  Two professors from the UW-Whitewater biology department will give presentations about diversity in nature and insects as the basis of life and two members of the Whitewater Urban Forestry will explain the importance of planting native trees and facilitate an interesting T/F quiz about Chimney Swifts.   Throughout the evening, a violinist will serenade everyone with tunes about nature between speakers and during the dive.  So, bring your lawn chair, binoculars, snack, and beverage of choice to watch the Swifts perform an acrobatic show and listen to beautiful music.

Editor’s Note: Submitted by Bill Chandler, Whitewater Urban Forestry

Free Friday Night Flicks at Cravath: Wicked for Good

August 6, 2026


Who’s Ready for Another FREE Friday Night Flick TOMORROW!

Grab your lawn chairs, blankets, family, and friends, and join us for another magical evening under the stars!

This Friday’s Feature: Wicked For Good
Friday, August 7th
Movie Begins at 8:15 PM
Cravath Lakefront Park, 341 S. Fremont Street

Come early to pick out the perfect spot, enjoy the beautiful lakefront, and stop by the concession stand for popcorn, water, and soda before the movie begins.

There’s nothing better than watching a great movie outdoors on a summer evening—and best of all, it’s FREE!

We can’t wait to see you at the park for another unforgettable Friday Night Flick!

Be sure to watch Whitewater Parks & Recreation Facebook for any weather cancellations.

Walworth County Calls for Donations for Time Capsule to Commemorate America’s 250th Anniversary

August 5, 2026

Walworth County announces the creation of an official county time capsule in honor of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the American Declaration of Independence. The project is intended to capture the character and values of present‑day Walworth County for future generations and is scheduled to open in 50 years.

Time capsules serve as historical touchpoints, preserving contemporary artifacts, documents, images, and personal reflections. By assembling a curated collection of items from 2026, the County aims to create an enduring snapshot of life today and the unique identity of the county during the nation’s semiquincentennial year.

The time capsule, a 40-liter (10.6-gallon) stainless-steel milk can, was chosen for its distinctly Midwestern charm, sturdiness, and size. The milk can is made of heavy-gauge stainless steel, is dent-resistant, and has an airtight sealed lid to help preserve time capsule items.  

County residents of all ages, local schools, businesses, community organizations, and municipalities are invited to contribute items that reflect the diversity and daily life of the region. Items that could be included in the time capsule include:

  • official documents
  • photos
  • demographic profiles
  • educational materials
  • student art
  • community messages

All items should be non‑perishable and suitable for a 50‑year seal.

Deadlines & How to Donate Items

The deadline for submitting items is October 1, 2026. A submission form is available on the Walworth County Historical Society’s website, https://walcohistory.org, or residents may call or email the Walworth County Historical Society at 262-723-7848 or walcohistory@tds.net.

The time capsule will be on display at the Walworth County Fair on September 3 as part of Walworth County Salutes America 250. This daylong event will feature a patriotic ceremony honoring local Purple Heart and Silver Star recipients, stirring music, and a Revolutionary War re-enactor bringing history to life. Enjoy historical displays, educational giveaways, family-friendly activities, and cap off the evening with a patriotic drone show. Find all the details at www.co.walworth.wi.us/1285/America-250.

Editor’s note: This press release was received from Walworth County.

This Week’s Rummage Sale

August 5, 2026

Rummage sale Saturday, August 8th, 8 a.m. -? Please no early sales. Clean, gently used if at all items you need! We have a lot of unique items too many to list. Come check out all we have……. Household items, gardening must haves, exercise equipment, lake fun and fishing items and also handcrafted gifts. Hope to see you, rain or shine. 439 S. Wisconsin Street

Common Council Approves No Stopping/Standing/Parking on Elizabeth St. by the Middle School

August 4, 2026

By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com

The City of Whitewater Common Council at its regular meeting on August 4 unanimously approved an ordinance that will prohibit stopping, standing, or parking on Elizabeth Street adjacent to the entire middle school property. There were no comments from the public, and the council had no debate on the matter. The required second reading of the ordinance was waived. A previous Whitewater Banner post provided an overview of the changes for student dropoff/pickup that are being implemented with the goal of improved safety. Signs are expected to be in place by the start of the school year on September 1. It is anticipated that there will be police presence early on in order to help ensure awareness of and compliance with the new traffic pattern.

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

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

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

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

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

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

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

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

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

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

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

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

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

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

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

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

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

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

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

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