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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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Abby Grosinske of Whitewater, WI has been named to the Chancellor’s List at Troy University for the Fall Semester/Term 2 of the 2024-2025 academic year.
The Chancellor’s List honors full-time undergraduate students who are registered for at least 12 semester hours and who earn a grade point average of 4.0.
About Troy University
Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible in-class and online class offerings. Students on the Troy, Ala. campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, Ala., as well as at locations around the world and online.
It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. The second of our winter views for 2025 is this view of lots of snow on First Street. In the background is the three-story, five-storefront, building at the center of the south side of Center Street. You can barely see the storefronts. In the 1920s, the third story was removed from this building, but two stories are still extant.
In a close-up you can see three women on the sidewalk. They are standing in front of a side storefront of the old bank building (until recently, a restaurant). This was the location of a long-time millinery or hat shop and no doubt they were visiting or window shopping.
Join us again next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.
(3162PC, Whitewater Historical Society)
| Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #253 Declaring Energy Emergency |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers announced on January 9 that he signed Executive Order #253 declaring an energy emergency in the state of Wisconsin. Due to persistent challenges caused by severe regional winter weather and its impact on the distribution of residential heating fuel, including heating oil and propane, Executive Order #253 will allow for the swift and efficient delivery of these products throughout the state. “From coast to coast in the U.S., Winter Storm Blair has impacted residents and industries alike. This has increased demand for heating fuel and caused strain on delivering essential products across our state, including fuel for home heating, which is critical for the health and safety of folks during the Wisconsin winter,” said Gov. Evers. “Getting residential heating fuel like propane and heating oil moving now to those who need it will help Wisconsinites remain safe as we continue to face cool and freezing temperatures in the coming months.” According to the Public Service Commission’s Office of Energy Innovation, multiple suppliers report challenges such as long lines at terminals and having to drive further distances to collect needed products. Executive Order #253 will provide a 30-day waiver of certain state and federal hours-of-service restrictions, allowing suppliers to get caught up from weather-related delays. |
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Alexander Fox | PlaNet Fox from Pixabay.
After two weeks of no competitions, the Whippet Boys’ Swim Team was back in action on Tuesday, January 7th. The Whippets took on Badger and Platteville Lancaster in a triple dual. The Whippets were victorious against Platteville/Lancaster with a score of 131 to 35; they however fell short against a very tough Badger team with a score of 67 to 103. The boys swam really well and had many best times on the night!
Best Times Include:
200 Freestyle:
- Cruz Aranda – 1:54.75 (Improved his 5th place spot on the Whippet Top 10 List)
- Caleb Kluck – 2:31.34
- Sam Nickelsburg – 2:44.75
200 IM:
- Jack Hefty – 2:26.18 (10 second drop from previous time)
- Myles Morse – 2:27.77 (15 second drop from previous time)
- Miles Nickelsburg 2:33.81 (5 second drop from previous time)
50 Freestyle:
- Mateo Bazeley – 24.74
- Wyatt Esch – 27.12
- Andrew O’Toole – 27.31
100 Butterfly:
- Langdon Coburn – 1:01.78 (10th on the Whippet Top 10 List)
- Myles Morse – 1:11.14
100 Freestyle:
- Mateo Bazeley – 53.04 (9th on the Whippet Top 10 List)
- Isaac Straight – 1:28.00
100 Backstroke:
- Andrew O’Toole – 1:20.52
- Xavier Ortiz – 1:34.08 (18 second drop from previous time)
100 Breaststroke:
- Jack Hefty – 1:14.69
The Whippets are back in the water on Tuesday, January 14th against Elkhorn & PSC at Elkhorn High School. Swimming starts at 5:30 pm; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Submitted By Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Update 1/10/25 @ 5:30 p.m. – 511wi.gov is no longer showing the freeway as being closed.
A press release, shown below, from Rock County Public Works announced a road closure on I-39/90 due to a crash. Though the release does not indicate whether both sides of the interstate are closed, 511wi.gov indicates that it is only the southbound traffic that is detoured. Per below, it is expected that the detour will continue through Friday evening’s commute.
“On January 10, 2025, at approximately 11:47 a.m. a significant crash occurred on I-39/90 near mile marker 182 eastbound. The investigation showed the accident involved a semi tractor trailer and a Rock County Department of Public Works plow. At the time of the incident, the plow was clearing snow on the inside median as part of winter maintenance efforts following this morning’s snow event. The semi tractor trailer struck the plow on the rear passenger side. The driver of the plow reported being uninjured but is being evaluated at a local hospital.
Traffic on I-39/90 is currently being re-routed utilizing STH 11, CTH G and CTH BT. The anticipated length of the closure is unknown but will likely extend into the evening commute. The Wisconsin State Patrol is currently on scene and will be investigating this incident. County resources are supporting the incident response.”
I-39/90 South CLOSED from WIS 11 West/Avalon Rd to beyond Ramp from WIS 11 East/Avalon Rd because of a crash. Alternate Route – Southbound traffic will exit I-39/90 at WIS 11. West on WIS 11 to CTH G. South on CTH G to CTH BT. East on CTH BT to CTH S. Continue on CTH S back to I-39/90. Last Updated 1/10/25, 11:55 AM.
Established in the spring of 2024, the National High School Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (NHSTFXCCA) created standards to recognize outstanding performances, at the national level, by awarding them a certificate for All-American honors. Whitewater had one athlete meet the criteria in the 1600 meter run. Jack Hefty ran 4:13.0 en route to winning his second straight state title. The standard for All American in this event is 4:16.0. Congratulations, Jack!
The coaching staff then began diving into the history books and found several other Whippet track and field athletes who would have earned this award had it been in place during their time in a Whitewater uniform. The staff wanted to recognize these athletes for their superior performances even though the program had not yet been in place for all the years these performances were recorded. Through research and help from former athletes, it was discovered that Janet Partoll had earned honorable mention All-American honors in 1985! Unfortunately, not all the athletes listed below have pictures to go with them. Thank you to all those involved in securing the photos we do have of these athletes as we take a trip down “memory lane” and remember how incredibly rich the sport of track and field is in Whitewater, Wisconsin!
- 2024 Boys 1600 – Jack Hefty
- 2023 Girls 4×200 – Madelynn Buehler, Sydney Schilt, Emma Weigel, Kindyl Kilar 1:42.95
- 2023 Connor Raupp – Discus 169′ 0″
- 2019 Boys 4×200 – Will Leibrand, Juan Cuellar, Jared Clapper, Jack Mayer 1:29.27
- 2012 Molly Griep – Shot Put 43′ 3″
- 2012 Molly Griep – Discus 152′ 1″
- 2010 Loussaint Minett – Discus 178′ 9″
- 2001 Rachael Travis – Discus 139′ 4″
- 1987 Troy Hansen – Discus 172′ 9″
- 1986 Girls 4×200 – Tina Partoll, Janet Partoll, Julie Paynter, Samantha Reeb 1:43.93
- 1986 Janet Partoll – High Jump 5′ 8″
- 1979 Jack Mead – Shot Put 60′ 1.5″
To see all the event qualifying standards, visit this link: https://www.nhstfxcca.org/all-american…/2024-outdoor-tf
If you can provide a photo for any of the athletes missing a photograph, please reach out to Coach Carstens at the email below.
Article Submitted by Chad Carstens
Whitewater High School Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Track and Field Coach
ccarstens@wwusd.org
10-27-24
Steve Watson writes, “Wisconsin St. by the scenic overlook.
While trying to figure out what hawk this is sitting on the pole….. (continued)
….this eagle came by with breakfast….. (continued)
….landing on the next pole, and a crow doing a flyby.”
1-2-25
A lone eagle looking for food.
The skate park trees offer no solitude.
A murder of crows lingers above.
Among eagles and crows there is no love.
Our thanks to Steve Watson for sharing more beautiful nature photos and a nice poem.
— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share. Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!
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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