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The Landmarks Commission of Whitewater is taking a significant step
toward determining the future of the iconic Starin Park Water Tower. Following a non-binding referendum presented to voters, the results revealed 44% support for saving the tower and 56% opposing the use of taxpayer funds for restoration.
The question posed to voters on the November 5th ballot was: “The City of Whitewater Water Utility has decommissioned the Starin Park Water Tower, meaning it is no longer part of the water system. The Water Utility can spend up to $600,000 (the cost of demolition) to maintain it as a City-owned Historical Landmark. The remaining costs, approximately $1,000,000 for repairs and $250,000 every 10 years for maintenance, would need to come from City tax dollars or donations. Should the City of Whitewater use tax dollars to repair and maintain the Starin Park Water Tower?”
The City Manager recommended that the matter be referred to the Landmarks Commission. Recognizing the water tower’s historical, cultural, and economic significance, the Common Council chose to follow the
recommendation of the City Manager and refer the matter to the Landmarks Commission. The Common Council instructed the Landmarks Commission to report back to the Council with a plan on how best to proceed regarding the Water Tower by May of 2025.
The Landmarks Commission met on December 4th to discuss the non-binding referendum results and how best to proceed via the Common Council’s direction. The Commission has decided to establish a community
committee to gather feedback and explore the best course of action for the structure.
This landmark has significant historical, cultural and economic significance. Due to there being such a large impact on our community, the commission felt that it was best to have community feedback as they proceed. Katy Wimer, the director of content and communications for Discover Whitewater notes its significance: “Over the years, the Starin Park Water Tower has become one of a few central figures in Whitewater’s story,
drawing visitors and history enthusiasts looking to explore Wisconsin’s historical sites and intrigued by its spiritualism lore. The tower’s popularity has grown significantly in recent years due to Whitewater Chamber of
Commerce’s Annual Spirit Tour, making Whitewater a must-visit destination, especially for travelers who want a taste of history mixed with a bit of the supernatural. These visitors don’t just come for the day—they book overnight stays in our hotels and patronize our local restaurants, shops, and other businesses. The tower is a true economic asset to Whitewater and can be an even greater asset in supporting local tourism if maintained well and appreciated for what it represents beyond its original use.”
The Landmarks Commission will be developing a range of options, including preservation, fundraising, or alternative uses for the tower, while actively seeking community input through the newly formed committee.
The Commission is committed to reporting its recommendations to the Common Council by May 2025.
Community members interested in participating or sharing ideas are encouraged to contact the Landmarks Commission at 262-473-0149.
Together, we can ensure that the Starin Park Water Tower continues to inspire and contribute to the story of Whitewater for generations to come.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
TDS Telecommunications LLC (TDS®) is proud to support the Bethel House as part of the company’s third annual Week of Giving campaign.
One of the company’s core values is giving back to the communities it serves. Last week, themed TDS Cares giving events were held throughout the company’s service areas, including in Whitewater. Events included Cyber/STEM Monday, Giving Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, and Food Bank Friday.
On Wednesday, a dozen TDS associates presented a $2,500 donation and contributed a total of 36 volunteer hours to help the Bethel House continue its mission of preventing homelessness for local children and families.
“The TDS Week of Giving campaign is centered around supporting organizations that make our communities strong. We’re proud to donate more than $100,000 to local charities and organizations across the country, and we hope to inspire others to join us in giving back this holiday season,” said Drew Petersen, TDS Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs.
TDS Cares initiatives occur throughout the year and through the Be Good Citizens program, TDS provides associates with 16 hours of paid time off every year to volunteer at the 501c3 organization of their choice.
Kacie Carollo’s career-high 33 points paced the No. 8 University of Wisconsin-Whitewater women’s basketball team to a 65-58 win over Wheaton (IL) Wednesday night.
The Warhawks capitalized on the pace of play, pushing the ball forward to outscore the Thunder 22-4 on fast break points. The free throw line became pivotal late in the contest as UWW hit 20-25 in the contest compared to Wheaton’s 14-16.
UW-Whitewater pushed the pace early, tallying 10 fastbreak points in the first 10 minutes to build a 20-14 lead after the first period. Carollo took over in the second quarter, scoring 12 of the Warhawks’ 16 points in the period. She was 4-8 from the field, 2-4 from three-point range and 2-2 from the charity stripe. At the intermission, UWW held a 36-29 advantage heading into the locker room.
The Thunder whittled away at the lead on the other side of the break eventually pulling to within two, 42-40. A bucket by Renee Rittmeyer followed by a pair of Carollo free throws quickly pushed the margin back to six, 46-40, with 4:17 left in the third. Carollo added another free throw about a minute later before Wheaton capped the scoring in the period with a pair of free throws. Heading into the fourth, UWW held a 47-42 lead.
The Warhawks scored the first four points of the fourth from the charity stripe – all four made by Katie Hildebrandt – to extend the gap to nine, 51-42. Over the next seven minutes, Wheaton cut into the margin eventually tying the game 56-56 at the 1:43 mark.
On the offensive end, Carollo knocked down one of the biggest triples of the game to put UWW back on top. The Thunder countered with a step back jumper that dropped to narrow the lead to one and the Wheaton coach immediately signaled for a timeout. UW-Whitewater perfectly executed a play with Hildebrandt hitting a cutting Carollo perfectly in stride for the layin and another three-point UWW advantage with 29.4 seconds to go.
Wheaton forced up a three-pointer on their end and Bri McCurdy chased down the board drawing a foul in the process. She hit both free throws to add a cushion with 11.1 to go. Carollo came up with a big block on the defensive end before capping the game with the final two points of the contest on a pair of free throws for the seven-point win.
Carollo tallied a double-double with 33 points and 10 boards. She added three assists, three blocks and three steals in 39 minutes played. Hildebrandt added 13 bolstered by a perfect 7-7 from the charity stripe while hauling in five boards. Rittmeyer was active on defense with five steals while dishing out three assists on the offensive end.
UW-Whitewater will head south for a pair of games at Daytona Beach on December 20 and 21. The Warhawks will wrap up 2024 against Calvin at 1 PM on December 30 in Kachel Gym before opening 2025 with conference play.
The National Weather Service Milwaukee/Sullivan Weather Forecast Office has issued a Cold Weather Advisory from 10 p.m. on Wednesday to 10 a.m. on Thursday. They indicate that “The combination of air temperatures in the low single digits to negative single digits and wind gusts between 35 to 40 mph will lead to wind chills as low as -25 degrees. Wind chills will be the worst between Midnight and 8AM Thursday.”
The former Wind Chill Advisories are now being called “Cold Weather Advisories.” Such an advisory is issued when the wind chill is anticipated to be at least -20 degrees F. It appears that much of Rock and Walworth Counties will barely miss falling to that level, and consequently the advisory is not being extended to them – but it will still be very cold.
The Whippet swimmers started off conference duals with a win against Edgerton/Evansville with a score of 112 to 46 on Tuesday, December 10th. The night was filled with a lot of really good swims!
Most notable swims include:
- Medley Relay of Miles Nickelsburg, David Enns, Myles Morse and Caleb Kluck out touched the Tide at the wall to secure a 1st place finish. Caleb Kluck had an impressive split in the 50 Freestyle going a time of 26.98.
- Langdon Coburn and Miles Morse finished 1st and 2nd in the 200 Freestyle. Langdon swam a lifetime best with a time of 2:08.24
- Isaac Straight dropped over 6 seconds in his 50 Freestyle going a time of 40.08, and Sam Nickelsburg continues to drop time in his 50 Freestyle going a time of 32.34
- Mateo Bazeley made his way onto the Whippet Top 10 List in the 100 Freestyle with a time of 53.93. He is now 10th overall.
- Xavier Ortiz dropped 6 seconds in his 100 Freestyle with a time of 1:11.55.
- Miles Nickelsburg swam a lifetime best in the 500 Freestyle with an impressive time of 6:07.13.
- In the leadoff spot of the 200 Freestyle Relay, Cruz Aranda went a 23.93. With that time he now sits 7th on the Whippet Top 10 List.
- Angel Kilar dropped over 30 seconds in his 100 Backstroke to go a time of 1:40.97.
- Jack Hefty and David Enns both swam great races in the 100 Breaststroke.
The Whippets are back in the water on Saturday, December 14th at the Elkhorn Invite. The meet begins at 10 am; we hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Courtesy of Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
In an announcement dated December 6, Kim McDarison, the editor and sole employee of WhitewaterWise indicated that the online publication, together with Fort Atkinson Online, will be placed on “indefinite pause with the close of 2024.” McDarison stated that, “The pause is a result of life-related changes which require a reallocation of time…” by herself. She thanked the many individuals who have contributed to the site, including freelancers as well as the readers and advertisers. It was indicated that archived articles will remain available for an undetermined period, although advertisements will be removed at the end of the year.
Raised in New England and a 1986 graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Kim McDarison indicated in an earlier release that she wanted to be a journalist from the time she was nine. While in college, she earned a bachelor of business administration (BBS) degree, with a concentration in MIS (management information systems), and a minor in journalism. In the early 2000’s she served as the editor of the Whitewater Register, and since that time her work has been published in many area newspapers, including the Daily Jefferson County Union.
McDarison founded Fort Atkinson Online four years ago, and having also had a longtime interest in Whitewater, that publication increasingly provided news from our city. She launched WhitewaterWise in the summer of 2023 and has devoted a great deal of time providing extensive coverage of Common Council and School Board meetings, together with other news and events.
We are certain that we join many in the community in thanking Kim for her contributions to keeping Whitewater informed. Her publications will be missed, and we wish her well on her future endeavors.
Written by Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Universities of Wisconsin honor achievements of LGBTQ+ advocates and their allies through 2024 awards
13 honorees of 2024 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People
The Universities of Wisconsin have announced the 13 honorees of the 2024 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People, an annual honor given to LGBTQ+ people or their allies who have helped to create a safer and more inclusive climate for LGBTQ+ people. The award celebrates the memory and legacy of Dr. Paula B. Poorman, a highly regarded faculty member at UW-Whitewater dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQ+ people.
This year marks the 16th anniversary of the founding of the Dr. P.B. Poorman Award. The recipients of the award were honored on December 4, 2024, in Madison during a ceremony hosted by the Universities of Wisconsin. The awards ceremony and reception was held in conjunction with the Universities of Wisconsin presentation of the Outstanding Women of Color in Education Awards.
“Honorees are helping build a better experience for our students, faculty, and staff,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “This award recognizes their achievements in creating a safer and inclusive climate at our universities.”
The honorees of the 2024 Dr. P.B. Poorman Award for Outstanding Achievement on Behalf of LGBTQ+ People are:
- Dr. Rae Langes (UW-Eau Claire) Assistant Professor of Race, Ethnicity, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
- Dr. William Dirienzo (UW-Green Bay) Chair of Physics, Associate Professor
- Dr. Víctor Macías-González (UW-La Crosse) Professor of History and Advocate, Author
- Dr. Scott Seyforth (UW-Madison) Assistant Director of Residence Life for University Housing
- Nathan Sheppard (UW-Milwaukee) Clinical Case Manager for Student Health and Wellness Center
- Carmen Hetzel (UW-Oshkosh) Program Advisor for Student Organization and Leadership Programs
- Ren Griffith (UW-Parkside) Undergraduate Student, Genders and Sexualities Advocacy Center Advocate
- Isabelle Emerson (UW-Platteville) Undergraduate Student, Vice President of The Alliance
- Dr. Michelle Parkinson (UW-River Falls) Professor of English Literature and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
- Trescha Kay (UW-Stevens Point) Speech Language Pathologist, Clinical Assistant Professor
- Fred Jomo Brown (UW-Stout) LGBTQIA+ Program Manager
- Melinda Yingling (UW-Superior) Housing Coordinator, Free Mom Hugs Area Coordinator
- Dr. Ellie Schemenauer (UW-Whitewater) Associate Professor and Chair of Women’s and Gender Studies Department
Each UW university was invited to select one individual to receive the award, which highlights each recipient’s contributions to advocacy, activism, or scholarship that enhances the experiences of, and improves the climate for, LGBTQ+ people.
Jeffrey is a Whitewater native, born in 1976, and an accomplished singer/songwriter. Per Wikipedia, Foucault lives in New England with his wife, fellow musician and songwriter Kris Delmhorst.[2]He has upcoming shows in the Midwest, including a show at the Stoughton Opera House on Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. Admission is $30; streaming is available for $20. The following night he appears at Cactus Club in Milwaukee. It is a standing room only, age 18+ venue. Advance tickets are $20, day of show $25. Doors open at 9:30 p.m. and the show begins at 10.
The following is from the Stoughton Opera House website:
NEW YORK TIMES: “Immaculately tailored… Sometimes his songs run right up to the edge of the grandiose and hold still, and that’s when he’s best… Close to perfection”
DON HENLEY: “Jeffrey Foucault… clocks modern culture about as good as I’ve ever heard anybody clock it”
THE NEW YORKER:
“Jeffrey Foucault sings stark, literate songs that are as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest”
In two decades on the road Jeffrey Foucault has become one of the most distinctive voices in American music, refining a sound instantly recognizable for its simplicity and emotional power. With a string of critically acclaimed studio albums– “Stark, literate songs that are as wide open as the landscape of his native Midwest” (The New Yorker), “Beat-up troubadour folk whittled to dolorous perfection” (Uncut), “Songwriting Brilliance,” (Irish Times)– he’s built a brick-and-mortar international touring career and a devoted following, one that includes luminaries like Van Dyke Parks, Greil Marcus, and Don Henley. In September of 2024 Jeffrey Foucault will release The Universal Fire (Fluff & Gravy, 9/6/24), his first album of entirely new material since 2018.
A series of high-voltage performances cut live in one room, the album is both a working wake– Foucault lost his best friend and drummer Billy Conway, to cancer in 2021– and a meditation on the nature of beauty, artifact, and loss. Augmenting Foucault’s all-star band with members of Calexico and Bon Iver (drummer John Convertino and producer/saxophonist Mike Lewis) THE UNIVERSAL FIRE sets Conway’s death against the massive 2008 fire at the Universal Studios lot in California that destroyed the master recordings of some of our bedrock American music, to interrogate ideas about mortality, legacy, meaning, and calling.
TICKETS: $30 [Streaming access is also available for $20.]
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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