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The Whippet Girls’ Swim Team hosted Badger and Platteville/Lancaster in their first home meet of the season on Tuesday, September 24! The night was filled with lots of best times and some new races for individuals!
Maggie Maas put on a gutsy performance in the 200 Freestyle. She won the event against Platteville/Lancaster and pushed the Badger swimmers until the very end. Maggie’s performance was a lifetime best for her, going a time of 2:24.76! Lucy Davis has really found her niche in the 200 Freestyle and continues to knock more and more time off; she swam a stellar 2:31.30!
In the 200 IM, Grace Coleman took on the battle for the first time and crushed it! We are excited to see her improvement in this event moving forward in the season. Makayla Bazeley also swam a great race winning the event against Platteville/Lancaster; she went a time of 2:19.54.
Laken DePorter went 4/4 on the night. She dropped nearly 2 seconds in her 50 Freestyle going a 35.75, she broke the 1:30 mark in her 100 Freestyle going a time of 1:28.38, and she also improved her 50 free relay split time and 100 free relay split time!
Charlotte Hajewski continues to improve on her 500. She won the event against Platteville/Lancaster with a time of 6:26.29.
Both of our 200 Freestyle Relays had some great races. Some notable splits came from Lucy Davis who led off the relay to go a lifetime best in the 50 Free with a time of 32.93, Atreya Wilson who went a 34.57 in her 50 free split, Maya Davis who also led off to race against her sister posting a best time in the 50 free with a time of 37.64, and Caitlin Alford who continues to improve her time!
In the 100 Backstroke, Marijose Verduzco swam a close race against Platteville/Lancaster taking second and improved her time by 4 seconds!
In the 400 Freestyle Relay consisting of Makayla Bazeley, Lucy Davis, Charlotte Hajewski, and Emerson Dunham, all swimmers posted new best times for the season! Makayla led off with a 55.64, Lucy split a 1:09.63, Charlotte split a 1:09.30, and Emerson anchored with a 1:06.15.
The girls travel to Jefferson High School to compete in the EagleJay Invite on Saturday, September 28. The meet starts at 10 am. We hope to see you there!
Article and Photo Submitted by Sarah Reynolds
Whitewater High School Head Swim Coach
ReynoldsSM07@uww.edu
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Pride Inc.
Whitewater’s fourth annual Pride Rally promises to be the biggest and best yet. This free, family-friendly celebration takes place on Saturday, October 5 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Cravath Lakefront Park in downtown Whitewater.
The Pride Rally will include activities for children, adults, and even the family pets, all in support of our LGBTQ+ friends and neighbors, with a focus on high school and college students. The events include music, performances, over 30 vendors, and several food trucks. Speakers include City Manager, John Weidl; UW-Whitewater Chancellor, Dr. Corey A. King; Whitewater High School’s Associate Principal, Kate McNulty; and Fair Wisconsin’s Policy and Advocacy Director, Sean O’Brien, who will discuss the state of the LGBTQ+ movement locally and nationally.
“Since 2021, Whitewater Pride has been creating a jubilant safe space for our community to truly celebrate their unique selves,” said Camden Harlan, President of Whitewater Pride Inc. “We are incredibly fortunate to have the support of our city, local businesses, schools, and community members. With their advocacy and agency, we have been able to fund field trips and scholarships for LGBTQ+ youth in our community, as well as provide inclusive events throughout the year where the LGBTQ+ community and allies come together and know just how loved and appreciated they are.”
Whitewater Pride T-shirts will be on sale at the event for $15. These T-shirts bear the Whitewater Pride logo, designed by UW-Whitewater student, Maddy Albanese. Colored fabric markers will be available to individualize the shirts on site.
A children’s corner will include activities and story time with a selection of LGBTQ+ children’s books.
Your pets are also invited to attend and participate in the third annual Pride Pet Costume Contest. Registration will take place from 11:00-11:30 a.m. on the day of the event. For the safety of your pets and others, please make sure all pets are leashed and comfortable with crowds.
Whitewater Pride is proud to announce official sponsors of the Pride Rally who have contributed financially to help support our local LGBTQ+ community. This year’s sponsors are: The Coburn Family, Generac, Whitewater Unites Lives, TDS Telecom, Stellar Vintage, Botanica Beauty Parlour, Fort HealthCare, and Fort Community Credit Union, The Dem Party of Wisconsin, and T-Mobile of Lake Geneva.
“These community partners are not only providing financial support to the work of Whitewater Pride, but they are also standing proud with our LGBTQ+ community members and allies. This statement of support reinforces the values of our communities that all are welcomed, valued, and embraced,” Kim Simes said.
Others wishing to support Whitewater Pride can visit whitewaterpride.org to become a Sponsor, Vendor, or Donor.
Event supporters include Whitewater High School GSA, PB Poorman Pride Center, Irvin L. Young Memorial Library, City of Whitewater, Whitewater Unites Lives, The Book Teller, The Sweet Spot, UW-W CARE, and Whitewater League of Women Voters. For more information visit www.whitewaterpride.org, Instagram @whitewaterpride, or Facebook at Whitewater Pride
Congratulations to Walworth County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Lieutenant Jason Rowland on his graduation from the 291st FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, on Thursday, September 12th, 2024. Lieutenant Rowland was chosen to represent our department as part of a select group of 254 law enforcement officers from 26 countries, seven military organizations, and seven federal civilian agencies.
The FBI National Academy is a prestigious program consisting of 10 weeks of advanced training in communication, leadership, and fitness. Since its inception in 1935, a total of 55,440 graduates have completed the academy, which is held at the FBI Training Academy in Quantico—the same facility where new FBI special agents and intelligence analysts are trained.
We extend our gratitude to the FBI National Academy for selecting our agency for this opportunity and congratulate Lieutenant Rowland on his remarkable accomplishment.
Our agency is proud to have three current command staff members as graduates of the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy.
Sheriff Dave Gerber – Session 263
Undersheriff Tom Hausner – Session 177
Editor’s note: The above press release was received from the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department.
Rhonda Kolander – Acrylic Painting Workshop
Thursday, September 26, 5 pm – 7 pm.
Rhonda will be focusing on a blending technique similar to Bob Ross’s using acrylics instead of oils.
Fee for the workshop is $35 per attendee which includes all materials.
This workshop takes place at the Cultural Arts Center, 402 W Main St Whitewater, WI 53190.
Registration is available here.
Walworth County, in partnership with the United Way of Walworth County, has awarded just over $48,000 to 19 area nonprofits through the fifth round of funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant-funding program. Announced in December 2021, the grant-funding program is intended to offset the negative economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic incurred by local 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) agencies.
“The grant-funding partnership with Walworth County has more than succeeded in its goal to provide a lifeline to local non-profits that faced tremendous financial and operational challenges in the recovery from the pandemic,” says United Way of Walworth County Executive Director Brian Holt. “These organizations do so much to support Walworth County residents. By supporting these agencies, we contribute to the resiliency and well-being of our communities.”
The grant recipients are Aram Public Library, Bethel House of Whitewater, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Central Wisconsin, Boys and Girls Club of Dane & Walworth County, Community Action of Rock and Walworth Counties/Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless, Elkhorn Food Pantry, Geneva Lake Conservancy, Geneva Lakes Family YMCA, Geneva Lake Museum, Join the Movement Events, New Beginnings APFV, Safe Families for Children Southeastern Wisconsin, Seeds of Hope, Special Methods in Learning Equine Skills (SMILES), St. Andrew, Tree House Child and Family Center, United Way of Jefferson and Walworth County, Walworth County Literacy Council, and Wisconsin Makers.
The agencies received between $1,000 and $6,000 apiece and may utilize the grants for assistance in implementing COVID-19 prevention or mitigation tactics; technical assistance, consulting, or other services for business planning; assistance with payroll support, costs to retain employees or other operating costs; or outreach efforts for qualifying populations impacted by COVID-19.
The Walworth County Board of Supervisors recently approved a total of $400,000 in grant funds for distribution to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and 501(c)19 veterans service agencies in 2025 and 2026. Applications for the next round of funding will be available in early 2025. The application and additional details will be available on the United Way of Walworth County’s website.
A board comprised of United Way of Walworth County committee members selected the grant recipients based on their application, submission of required documentation, and using a scoring rubric. Only 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(19) organizations were eligible to apply.
This project is being supported in whole or in part by federal award number FAIN #SLFRP 2146 awarded to Walworth County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Monroe defeated the Whippet Football Team 39-6 on Friday, September 20.
Coach Sam Bartlett stated, “Monroe is one of those teams that plays extremely hard and disciplined. When you play with both of those it leads to a lot of success, which is evident. Coach Witt is doing a great job with them. They came out of the gates ready to go.
We came out with fire but did not start the game off disciplined. Our discipline improved throughout the game. We also played with fire and energy the entire game. I was extremely proud of our talk to teammates being positive and constructive. Those are traits that will serve us well these next couple of weeks.
We have work to do to improve on the field. A big focus of practice this week will be great effort and discipline in all areas. If we focus on those two areas, we will be successful. I look forward to our game against East Troy and look forward to the competition.”
Article and Photos Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
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| Gov. Evers, U.S. Sen. Baldwin Announce Direct File Program Available to Wisconsin Taxpayers in 2025 |
| Gov. Tony Evers, together with U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin) and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue (DOR), recently announced that Wisconsin will join the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Direct File program for filing season 2025, enabling eligible Wisconsin taxpayers with an option to file their taxes online directly with the IRS for free. According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, the average taxpayer spends approximately 13 hours and $270 to prepare their taxes each year. Direct File simplifies that process saving taxpayers time and eliminating the burden of cost. “Thanks to the efforts of our federal partners like Sen. Baldwin and the Biden-Harris Administration, next year, Wisconsin taxpayers will be able to file their taxes securely, easily, and for free directly with the IRS with no surprise fees through the new Direct File Program,” said Gov. Evers. “This is going to save hardworking folks time and money, and we look forward to seeing how the Direct File and new WisTax programs will work together to better serve Wisconsinites when tax season comes around in 2025.” The Direct File program was made possible by the Biden-Harris Administration through the Inflation Reduction Act, a landmark piece of legislation that was passed by Democrats in 2022, including Sen. Baldwin, who championed the Inflation Reduction Act and has been a staunch advocate for launching Wisconsin’s Direct File Program to give taxpayers a no cost filing option for their federal taxes. “Filing your taxes should be easy and free, but right now the system is rigged to line the pockets of giant third-party tax-prep companies, and Wisconsinites are left wasting hours and hundreds of dollars each year,” said Sen. Baldwin. “I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to put money back into the pockets of hardworking families, not pad the profits of these big third-party companies that charge exorbitant junk fees. I’m thrilled to be working with Gov. Evers so Wisconsinites can save time and money by filing their taxes directly with the IRS.” Launched as a pilot program in a dozen states in 2024, Direct File users claimed more than $90 million in refunds and saved an estimated $5.6 million in tax preparation fees. The platform’s success and positive feedback encouraged the IRS to move forward with a rollout nationwide for the 2025 tax filing season. Starting in 2025, Wisconsinites will be able to file both their state and federal taxes online. After completing their federal returns in Direct File, Wisconsin taxpayers will be taken to WisTax to complete their state taxes quickly and easily for free. “We are excited about both WisTax and the Direct File program because they provide an improved customer experience for Wisconsin taxpayers that is free, accurate, and user friendly,” said DOR Secretary David Casey. WisTax offers a modern web-based experience that is intuitive and easy to use, as well as mobile-friendly. This free platform was created to simplify the tax filing process and eliminate the burden of cost. Should taxpayers encounter problems while filing, a knowledgeable DOR customer service representative will be available to answer questions and help troubleshoot the issue. By filing directly with WisTax, taxpayers have an opportunity to share feedback that will help the agency strengthen its program in future years. Eligible taxpayers can file using a smartphone, laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. For eligibility requirements and additional information, visit directfile.irs.gov and revenue.wi.gov. |
| Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Office of the Governor. |
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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