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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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A National Day of Mourning will be observed on Thursday for Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at 100 years old.
In a proclamation after Mr. Carter’s death, President Biden called him “a man of character, courage, and compassion.”
In announcing the day of mourning, he said: “I call on the American people to assemble on that day in their respective places of worship, there to pay homage to the memory of President James Earl Carter Jr. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
The day of mourning will be held on the same day as Mr. Carter’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral. President Biden will deliver a eulogy at the funeral, and a eulogy written by Gerald R. Ford, who died in 2006, will be read by his son Steven Ford.
Post offices will be closed, and no mail will be delivered on Thursday due to the National Day of Mourning to honor former President Jimmy Carter.
U.S. stock markets will also be closed.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage from The Carter Center.
State of Our Community – Whitewater City and Schools Addresses
The League of Women Voters Whitewater-Area is excited to host its annual State of the City and State of the Schools Addresses on Thursday, January 9, 2025, in the City of Whitewater Council Chambers (Community Room), 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM. The Council Chambers are located on the first floor of Whitewater City Hall, 312 W Whitewater St.
Presenters are Whitewater City Manager John Weidl, WUSD Superintendent Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, and UW Whitewater Chancellor Dr. Corey A. King. Each speaker will have the opportunity to share information on the condition of their area(s) of responsibilities. Audience members will be invited to ask each speaker questions following their presentation.
The presentations are a wonderful opportunity for the public to learn what is happening in our community as 2025 starts. Please plan to join us for this informative presentation. Light refreshments will be served.
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The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues and influences public policy through education and advocacy. Visit our website at https://my.lwv.org/wisconsin/whitewater-area and like us on Facebook!
City of Whitewater Common Council – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Spring Splash Task Force Report, First reading of an ordinance reducing the speed on Starin Road between Prairie Street and Prince Street, First reading of an Ordinance adding stop signs on Starin Road at Prince Street and
Warhawk Drive, Discussion and Possible Action regarding Stop Here for Pedestrian Signs and Speed Bumps
on Starin Road, and Discussion and Possible Action regarding the Public Safety Referendum Question. CLOSED SESSION, TO RECONVENE: Offer to Purchase a 10.96 acre parcel of vacant land (Tax Parcel No. /A444200001) and Potential development of 67-acre parcel of vacant land.
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room,
312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone.
Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please click the link below to join:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81961659332?pwd=hGn1C8KPkvTgrD5qSOiB9gWGZt9pfE.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 819 6165 9332
Passcode: 878627
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible action on Education of Possible City of Whitewater Trippe and
Cravath Lake District
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84271751846?pwd=S76ziM56Bz6TUijjvaUSSkPCo6MRIp.1
Meeting ID: 842 7175 1846
Passcode: 701407
Or dial
- +1 305 224 1968 US
- +1 309 205 3325 US
- +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
City of Whitewater Public Arts Commission – Thursday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and possible approval of posting for call for artists.
Cravath Lakefront room, 2nd floor, 312 West Whitewater St
*In Person and Virtual
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or
telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods.
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/604676365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 604-676-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
City of Whitewater Community Development Authority Special Meeting – Friday @ 2:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion of policies and possible criteria at the Innovation Center, Discussion of housing goals, Discussion of goals and objectives for downtown revitalization.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 312 West Whitewater St
Citizens are welcome (and encouraged) to join our webinar via computer, smart phone, or telephone. Citizen participation is welcome during topic discussion periods. Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87483083723?pwd=rb4VuPZyN3YRmiqQhttXyHH4dqQbGt.1
Phone: 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Webinar ID: 874 8308 3723 Passcode: 211541
Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,87483083723#,,,,211541# US
+13092053325,,87483083723#,,,,*211541# US
Brodhead jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as they beat Whitewater 57-28 in Rock Valley girls’ basketball crossover action on Tuesday, January 7. This was the first crossover game for both teams. Whitewater has a non-conference game on Saturday to begin a stretch of four games on the road. The next home game will be Tuesday, January 21.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
The city portion of the April ballot has now been finalized. There will be additional “outside” races, yet to be announced, including a seat on the State Supreme Court. There will not be a primary on February 18 for local races but may be for other races.
City of Whitewater Common Council
Four City of Whitewater Common Council seats are up for election on Tuesday, April 1, 2025. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, filed for candidacy by the January 7 deadline:
District 1 (Currently represented by Patrick Singer)
Michael E. Smith, 327 E. Clay Street, #29
J. Christopher Wilt, 334 Parkside Drive
District 3 (Currently represented by Brienne Brown)
Steven Sahyun, 250 N. Franklin Street
District 5
Neil Hicks, 1254 Tower Hill Pass (incumbent)
At-large (Currently represented by Lisa Dawsey Smith)
Patrick Singer, 263 Amber Drive
Whitewater Unified School District School Board
Two school board seats are up for election. The following individuals, listed in alphabetical order, filed for candidacy by the January 7 deadline.
Miguel Aranda (incumbent)
Nick Baldwin
Jennifer Kienbaum (incumbent)
Wayne Redenius
The first annual Walworth County Pro/Am Culinary Showdown, scheduled for January 26 at Lake Lawn Resort, will feature eight teams of Walworth County high school culinary students and professional chefs, including a team of two students from Whitewater High School. Molly Donner and Kevin Gonzalez will be working alongside chefs from The Abbey Resort!
Registrants will sample two dishes from eight pro/am teams:
- Team #1: Delavan-Darien High School + Delavan Lake Yacht Club
- Team #2: Elkhorn Area High School + Lake Lawn Resort
- Team #3: Badger High School + Jonathan’s
- Team #4: Whitewater High School + The Abbey Resort
- Team #5: Bigfoot High School + Geneva National Resort
- Team #6: Williams Bay High School + Oakfire
- Team #7: Career & College Academy of Elkhorn + Pier 290
- Team #8: East Troy High School + East Troy Brewery
—-
In order to attend and sample the dishes, PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
$20 – Individual Registration (Noon-2:30 pm)
$35 – Individual VIP hour, 11am – Noon (Beat the crowd and enjoy tasting among a small group prior to the opening of the event.)
Tickets can be purchased at https://bit.ly/culinaryshowdown25
Sen. Spreitzer on Senate Floor: Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) speaks with fellow Senators on the floor of the Wisconsin State Senate ahead of the Senate Inauguration on January 6th, 2025.
SD 15 All-district Legislators: Pictured left to right is Rep. Clinton Anderson (AD-44), Rep. Brienne Brown (AD-43), Rep. Ann Roe (AD-45), and Senator Mark Spreitzer (SD-15).
Sen. Spreitzer and Staff: Pictured left to right is Katie Iliff, Senator Mark Spreitzer, Eleanor (Ellie) Thorman, Dylan Moffitt, and Doug Hyant.
Sen. Mark Spreitzer Announces Committee Assignments and Legislative Staff as 2025-2026 Legislative Session Begins
MADISON – State Senator Mark Spreitzer (D-Beloit) announced his committee assignments and legislative staff as the 2025-2026 legislative session began at the State Capitol. Senator Spreitzer was elected to a four-year term in 2022, and represents communities in Rock, Jefferson, and Walworth Counties – including six cities, two villages, and twenty-one towns. Senator Spreitzer serves as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair for the 2025-2026 legislative session.
“I am proud to serve as your State Senator, and I look forward to continuing to work for the people of our district and our state,” said Sen. Spreitzer. “It was wonderful to watch the six new members of the Senate Democratic Caucus be sworn in today, and I am incredibly excited to begin this legislative session with a much larger and more diverse caucus. As your State Senator and as the Senate Democratic Caucus Chair, I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on issues that matter most to Wisconsinites and our district. Together, we can move Wisconsin forward.”
Sen. Spreitzer will serve on three committees during the 2025-2026 legislative session. He has been appointed the ranking Democratic member on the Committee on Government Operations, Labor, and Economic Development. Sen. Spreitzer will also serve on the Committee on Transportation and Local Government, and the Committee on Agriculture and Revenue.
“I look forward to serving on these committees in the new legislative session,” said Sen. Spreitzer. “I was proud of our bipartisan work together during the 2023-2024 legislative session – including new state laws to improve election administration, to invest in local communities, and to support our farmers and protect our environment. I look forward to continuing to work together on the issues that matter to the people of our state. As we begin the new legislative session, I will fight to ensure that we invest in the people and priorities of our district.”
Senator Spreitzer also announced his legislative office staff for the 2025-2026 session:
Doug Hyant will continue to serve as the Senator’s Chief of Staff. Doug has worked for Senator Spreitzer since 2019, including two sessions in the State Assembly. Prior to working in the state legislature, Doug worked as the Executive Director of the Assembly Democratic Campaign Committee. Doug lives on Madison’s West Side with his wife, Molly, and their two cats, Chickadee and Brig.
Eleanor (Ellie) Thorman will serve as the Senator’s Policy Director. Ellie has worked for State Senator Jeff Smith, the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, and the State Senate Democratic Committee. Ellie lives in Madison with her cat, Rosie.
Katie Iliff will serve as the Senator’s Communications and Outreach Director. Katie has worked for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, the State Senate Democratic Committee, and Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling. Katie lives in Madison with her husband and their two cats, Cirilla and Franklin.
Dylan Moffitt will continue to serve as the Senator’s Constituent Services Director. Dylan has worked for Senator Spreitzer since 2024. Prior to working in the state legislature, Dylan worked as a management analyst for the Village of Machesney Park in Illinois. Dylan lives in Madison with his cat, Cali.
Senator Spreitzer’s Capitol office is located in Room 108 South of the State Capitol. He can be reached by email at Sen.Spreitzer@legis.wisconsin.gov, by phone at (608) 266-2253, on social media on X.com/SenSpreitzer and Facebook.com/SenSpreitzer, and on his website www.SenSpreitzer.com.
Editor’s note: As a result of the 2023 redistricting, the entire Whitewater area, with the exception of the town of LaGrange, will be in Senate District 15, which will be served by Mark Spreitzer beginning on January 6, 2025. Spreitzer was sworn in as a senator in 2023, having been in the Assembly since 2015, where he was Democratic Caucus Chair from 2016-22. In a previous article, The Whitewater Banner erroneously indicated that Steve Nass would continue to represent Whitewater until January 2027. It turns out, however, that the new districts are becoming effective now, even though some senators are in the middle of their terms. Nass will continue to represent the town of LaGrange.
Walworth County Health and Human Services Offers $5 Radon Test Kits in January 2025
More than half of Walworth County Homes Tested for Radon in 2024 had Higher Levels than the EPA Deems Safe
Walworth County Health and Human Services is pleased to announce a special promotion in January 2025, offering radon test kits for $5 with a non-perishable food item donation. This offer is limited to one test kit per person. [In response to The Whitewater Banner’s question about eligibility of Jefferson County residents to participate in the program, Health Officer Erica Bergstrom indicated that “it is not limited to only Walworth County residents.” Consequently, it seems clear that both Jefferson and Rock County residents could participate.]
Testing is offered locally through the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center, funded through a Wisconsin Department of Health Services grant. Normally, the cost is $15 per kit. Food donations will be distributed through the Walworth County Food and Diaper Bank, which supports local families experiencing food insecurity.
Radon testing is an essential step in maintaining a safe living environment. Radon exposure is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and testing is the only way to know if radon levels in a home are elevated. “January is a great time to find out if your home has elevated radon as houses are closed up for the cold winter weather and we’re spending more time indoors,” says Walworth County Public Health Officer Erica Bergstrom.
The test kit includes a small vial that must be left open to the air in the lowest livable level of a home for two to three days. The vial should then be capped and mailed to Accustar Labs, which generally provides the results within a few days via mail, email, or telephone. Shipping and analysis of the kit are included in the $5 price.
The reduced-price test kit offer is redeemable starting January 2, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Walworth County Health and Human Services building at 1910 County Rd. NN, Elkhorn, WI 53121. Cash and check payments only.
The County encourages all residents whose homes have not yet been tested for radon to take advantage of this special offer. Those whose homes test at an elevated level of radon are urged to contact the Kenosha/Walworth Radon Information Center for information about mitigation options.
For more information about the promotion or to learn more about radon testing, please contact Walworth County Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health at (262) 741-3140, email walcoph@co.walworth.wi.us, or visit us online at www.co.walworth.wi.us.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from Walworth County Public Health. The following is a press release on the same subject from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
DHS Encourages Homeowners, Property Owners, and Schools to Test for Radon
Radon exposure is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking
Radon, a colorless, odorless gas, can seep into homes through their foundation and be deadly at high levels. In Wisconsin, 1 in 10 homes has elevated levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, and approximately 962 Wisconsinites have radon-induced lung cancer. Fortunately, radon is easy to test for and leaks can be fixed. This National Radon Action Month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is encouraging home and building owners, and schools, to understand their risk and test their buildings for radon.
“Knowing about radon and testing radon levels in your home can save lives,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “In Wisconsin, we have 17 Radon Information Centers around the state where experts are available to answer your questions and offer low-cost test kits. Indoor radon levels tend to increase during the colder months, so now is the perfect time to test your home or building for radon if you haven’t before.”
While radon can affect anyone, children are generally considered to be more sensitive compared to adults due to their smaller lung sizes and faster breathing rates. Along with encouraging testing at home, Wisconsin continues to take steps to improve testing in spaces where children spend significant amounts of time. In March 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) enacted rule changes which require licensed childcare providers to test for radon and install a mitigation system if radon levels exceed the EPA action level. In addition, DHS recommends that all schools test for radon at least once every five years or upon completion of any major renovations.
“Since the DCF rule went into effect, 41 childcare centers across Wisconsin have mitigated high radon, protecting over 820 children enrolled in care from exposure to high radon levels,” said DHS State Health Officer Paula Tran. “Preventing exposure to high radon in places where kids spend a lot of time is a significant way to reduce their overall exposure to radon.”
Reduced-cost test kits are available to childcare providers and all Wisconsin residents through their regional Radon Information Center and test kit promotions are happening throughout January. The cost of mitigation can be a barrier for some families and businesses; Wisconsin residents can visit their Radon Information Center or speak with local public health department radon experts by calling 888 LOW-RADON to discuss available options.
Any house or building can be at risk for high radon levels, including apartments and commercial buildings. Landlords have a responsibility to provide safe living and working conditions to their tenants and should work with a certified radon testing or mitigation contractor to get started on addressing the issue for their tenants. DHS encourages homeowners and property owners to use a certified contractor and to locate one using resources available on the DHS How to Find a Contractor webpage.
More information can be found at lowradon.org.
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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