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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Winter Weather Advisory from Thursday at 6 a.m. until Friday at 6 a.m. Technically the advisory only applies to the Jefferson County portion of the city, but the forecast for the city in general is for 2-4″ of snow. The system is anticipated to arrive in our area between 9-11 a.m. on Thursday.
According to the weather service, “Light to moderate snow will overspread southern WI Thursday morning from west to east. The snow will remain fairly steady north of Madison and Milwaukee through Thursday night and into Friday morning, while the snow may be intermittent from Madison to Milwaukee and south to the IL border for Thursday morning into the early afternoon, then steadier snow later in the day and night….Only minor blowing and drifting snow is expected with this storm.”
New Berlin West beat Whitewater 72-31 in girls’ basketball action on Tuesday, December 17. After the game started 12-12, West went on a 23-4 run to close the first half with a halftime score of 35-16.
Freshman Emery Kachel led the Whippet scoring with 12 points, including three 3-pointers.
Article Submitted by Mike Dowden
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach
dowmi01@wwusd.org
Karmyn Diane Meissner, 70 years of age, of Janesville, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on December 9th, 2024.
Karmyn was born on May 1st, 1954, in Ft. Atkinson, Wisconsin to Alex and Elizabeth (Culton) Meissner. Karmyn was an avid animal lover wanting to take in any animal she saw. She loved horses and had a few throughout her life along with many other dogs, cats, birds, and the occasional squirrel. She was a lover of history and mysteries and was most interested in the Egyptian culture, as well as shipwrecks like the Titanic.
Karmyn is survived by her brother, Murf (Vicki) Luebke, stepbrother, Dennis (Debbie) Rosenthal, and stepsister Rie (Chuck) Manley; her 3 children: Jason Robertson (Portia Diamond), Justin Robertson (Theresa Gleesing), and Billie Jo Hartin (Rick Crest); her grandchildren: Destiny (Chris) Howell, Alyssa Hartin (Maurice Young), Noah Hartin, Ashlie Urban, Teagan Robertson, and Brooke Robertson. Also her 4 great-grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.
Karmyn was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth (Culton) Meissner, her father, Alex Meissner, and her stepmother Mary (Rosenthal) Meissner, as well as her sister Cindy (Jerry) DeMott.
No services will be held at her request. All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services of Janesville is assisting the family.
All Faiths Funeral and Cremation Services
Janesville, Wisconsin
(608) 754-8700
The Whitewater High School automotive program recently received a generous donation of a used tire machine and tire balancer from Burtness Chevrolet of Whitewater, valued at approximately $2,000. The equipment, delivered just before the Thanksgiving break, will enhance hands-on learning by providing students with real-world experience in tire installation and balancing—essential skills in automotive maintenance.
“This donation is a game-changer for our program,” said Justin Buntrock, WHS automotive teacher. “Having access to professional-grade equipment allows our students to work with industry-standard tools, better preparing them for careers in the automotive field. We are incredibly thankful to Burtness Chevrolet and the Burtness family for their generosity and dedication to student success.”
The donation highlights Burtness Chevrolet’s ongoing commitment to supporting education and workforce development in Whitewater.
WHS offers career-focused educational opportunities through partnerships with local businesses. The automotive program is open to students grades 9 through 12, with courses including Small Engines, Auto Service Fundamentals, Auto Tech 2, Advanced Automotive, and Consumer Home & Auto.
For more information about the WHS automotive program or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact Justin Buntrock at 262-472-8173 or jbuntrock@wwusd.org.
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
The following alert was posted to the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
Over the last several days, our agency has taken reports of individuals who received messages on their computers about a data breach or being infected with a virus. The individuals were provided a phone number to call and spoke with subjects purporting to be from tech support and/or financial institutions. The individuals allowed remote access to their computer and/or were directed to withdraw cash from their accounts which was subsequently turned over to a male courier who came to their houses.
We ask that you to be mindful of this scam occurring in the area. If you receive a notification on your device about a virus or data breach:
DO NOT respond by calling the number listed on the screen
DO NOT allow remote access to your device
DO NOT withdraw cash at the request of someone you don’t know or trust
If you have experienced similar incidents recently, please feel free to contact your local law enforcement agency to make a report and seek further guidance. Thank you!
Whitewater Parks and Recreation brought additional holiday cheer to the Lakefront on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with the successful Cookies and Milk with Santa event as part of the Christmas at Cravath festivities. Families gathered at the Cravath Lakefront Community Building to celebrate the season, with cookie decorating, crafts, Santa, and milk generously donated by Katzman Farms.
photos in this gallery courtesy of Whitewater Parks and Recreation
Children enjoyed the chance to share cookies and milk with Santa himself, ensuring he’s fueled for his preparations for the big day. According to photos shared by Recreation & Community Events Programmer Michelle Dujardin, smiles and holiday spirit were plentiful.
photos in this gallery courtesy of Tom Ganser
Whitewater Parks and Recreation Christmas celebrations continue next weekend with the Chili Cookoff and Holiday Movie event, scheduled from 6 to 8 PM at the Cravath Lakefront Community Building. Don’t miss out on this delicious way to enjoy the season and see which chili emerges as a winner! And remember, the brand new Christmas light installation will remain up through January 6, 2025, offering plenty of time for the community to enjoy. For those who haven’t been down to view the installation or may be unable to do so, the city has shared via its YouTube channel a walk-through video:
Article Submitted by Downtown Whitewater, Inc
Photos courtesy of Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department and Tom Ganser
The Whippet Boys’ Swim Team competed at the Elk Invite on Saturday, December 14th. The boys finished 5th overall, brought home 14 medals, and had 23 Top 16 finishes. There were lots of really good swims from the boys!
Top 16 finishes (Top 8 medal):
200 Medley A Relay (2nd – 2:05.95): Langdon Coburn, Jack Hefty, Cruz Aranda, Mateo Bazeley
200 Medley B Relay (6th – 2:19.60): Miles Nickelsburg, David Enns, Myles Morse, Andrew O’Toole
200 Freestyle (3rd – 2:14.83): Cruz Aranda
200 Freestyle (7th – 2”36.27): Miles Nickelsburg
200 Freestyle (13th – 2:46.91): Wyatt Esch
200 IM (7th – 2:41.64): Langdon Coburn
200 IM (10th – 2:54.67): Jack Hefty
50 Freestyle (5th – 28.10): Mateo Bazeley
50 Freestyle (13th – 30.41): Andrew O’Toole
50 Freestyle (15th – 30.75): Myles Morse
100 Butterfly (6th – 1:10.03): Cruz Aranda
100 Butterfly (10th – 1:23.40): Sam Nickelsburg
100 Freestyle (4th – 1:01.09): Mateo Bazeley
100 Freestyle (7th – 1:03.94): Jack Hefty
400 Freestyle (4th – 5:16.85): Myles Morse
400 Freestyle (7th – 5:22.66): Miles Nickelsburg
200 Freestyle A Relay (3rd – 1:49.86): Cruz Aranda, Langdon Coburn, Mateo Bazeley, Jack Hefty
200 Freestyle B Relay (11th – 2:08.02): Wyatt Esch, David Enns, Xavier Ortiz, Caleb Kluck
100 Backstroke (4th – 1:11.70): Langdon Coburn
100 Backstroke (16th – 1:30.67): Andrew O’Toole
100 Breaststroke (16th – 1:36.20): David Enns
400 Freestyle A Relay (8th – 4:43.41): Miles Nickelsburg, Andrew O’Toole, Wyatt Esch, Myles Morse
400 Freestyle B Relay (13th – 5:49.58): Sam Nickelsburg, Angel Kilar, Isaac Straight, Caleb Kluck
The boys have two conference dual meets this week, starting with an away meet at Burlington on Tuesday, December 17th. The meet starts at 5:30 pm; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photos Submitted by 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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