Early City Motto "The Banner Inland City of the Midwest"
The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006
Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
News & Events
To add an event, click here to go to the Community Calendar. Then, click on Submit Event.
Helpful Links
Search our Archives
To search our archives, enter a search term in the search box, then press enter to search.
The Unity Project of Fort Atkinson will be hosting the seventh annual Fort Fall Fiesta on Saturday, September 14th from 12-4 pm at Jones Park in Fort Atkinson. The event is free, and everyone is welcome.
The fiesta brings together English and Spanish speakers within our community for an afternoon of food, music, dancing, games and children’s activities. Authentic food will be available from La Morenita taco truck and the Hispanic congregation of First United Methodist Church. Delicious ice cream treats will be served by Frostie Freeze and Beauty and the Bean will serve coffee drinks. A local DJ will take requests for a mix of Hispanic and local favorites. The Cub Scouts, Jefferson County Humane Society, Fort Healthcare and BASE will have fun activities for the whole family. Free face painting, balloon animals and giveaways. New this year will be a quinceañera fashion show co-hosted by the Fort Atkinson Club at 1:00 pm. Community members are invited to enter the domino tournament for a chance to win tickets to the Milwaukee Brewers. The Fort Atkinson Chamber will announce the winner of Lemonade Day at 2:00 pm. The event will also feature over thirty exhibitors who offer products, services, or opportunities to the Hispanic community.
This year’s event sponsors include Fort Community Credit Union, Fort HealthCare, Jones Dairy Farm and Molina HealthCare. Concessions are sponsored by Kwik Trip and BKS Dental.
Special thanks go out to Sam Hartwick and the Fort Atkinson Generals, Fort Atkinson Parks & Recreation Department and City of Fort Atkinson for their support.
“The Unity Project’s mission is to promote a sense of acceptance and belonging among all members of the community. The Fiesta is an opportunity to bring people together, celebrate, and create bonds that strengthen our community,” said Whitney Townsend,
event organizer.
| Gov. Evers Orders Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of 9/11 and State Day of Service and Remembrance |
| MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers signed Executive Order #240 ordering the flags of the United States and the state of Wisconsin to be flown at half-staff on Wed., Sept. 11, 2024, out of respect for the nearly 3,000 individuals who lost their lives in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Additionally, Executive Order #240 declares Wed., Sept. 11, 2024, as a state Day of Service and Remembrance to encourage all Wisconsinites to commit acts of service and give back to local neighbors and communities to honor the lives lost 23 years ago. Gov. Evers and members of the Evers Administration will be participating in service events on Wed., Sep. 11, 2024, as part of the state Day of Service and Remembrance. “Each year on this day, we remember the thousands of individuals who lost their lives, pay tribute to the first responders, neighbors, and volunteers, among many others, who responded bravely and at great personal sacrifice, and honor the countless more whose lives were forever changed by this tragedy,” said Gov. Evers. “On 9/11, we reflect upon the spirit of service, our resilience together, and our resolve to find strength through unity, community, and common purpose. I encourage Wisconsinites to join in honoring this solemn day through service, whether it’s finding ways to give back to our local communities or even through simple acts of kindness to others.” A list of potential volunteer opportunities, including virtual options, can be found on the Volunteer Wisconsin website here. Wisconsinites can also participate in other ways, including by engaging with their neighborhoods and communities, performing acts of kindness, or taking the time to reflect on the significance of the day. |
The Whippet Football Team fell to McFarland 35-6 on Friday, September 6.
Coach Sam Bartlett stated, “This game was a situation where we got off the ball to attack very well; we just did not play disciplined football. We had penalties, turnovers, and other mistakes that held us back. The exciting part is that they are all things we can fix and that we will fix. Every day is a new opportunity to get better, and we will be a better team after facing off against McFarland. We are learning how to continuously compete every second of the game.
Offensively, it was our best game moving the ball, but untimely penalties and turnovers kept us from finding the end zone. We will correct those mistakes and become a team that finishes consistently in the end zone.
Defensively, we played hard and played a lot of the game very well. There was a coverage bust we will fix, and we were put in a bad position from a blocked punt. Overall, we will be a better team in Week 4 and look forward to the opportunity to keep competing!”
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
Photo Credit Olivia Kowalski
The City of Whitewater is inviting all residents to a community listening session on Friday, September 13th, to discuss an exciting new housing project proposed by NRS Real Estate. The session will focus on the potential development of modular homes, a distinctive and affordable housing option that could meet the needs of our community.
Date: Friday, September 13th
Time: 3-5 PM
Location: Community Room at City Hall, located at 312 W Whitewater Street
Unlike previous development proposals, the modular homes presented by NRS Real Estate offer a unique advantage—each unit can be delivered for under $300,000. This initiative aims to provide a more affordable housing solution while maintaining quality and design standards that align with Whitewater’s strategic goals.
NRS Real Estate representatives will be on hand to explain the details of the project, address any questions, and gather input from residents. This listening session is a crucial opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and help shape the future of housing in Whitewater.
“We’re committed to making sure that any development in Whitewater reflects the needs and desires of our residents,” said Economic Development Director Zeinert. “This session is an important step in that process, and we encourage everyone to participate and share their thoughts.”
Your feedback is vital in determining whether this modular home project is a good fit for our community. We look forward to hearing from you and working together to ensure Whitewater continues to be a great place to live.
For more information, please contact Taylor Zeinert at 262-473-0148 or at tzeinert@whitewater-wi.gov
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the City of Whitewater.
Bethel House is seeking sponsorships for its annual Farm & Vine to Table Fall Dinner, which will be hosted this year on Friday, November 1st, at Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard.
“Our organization is so excited to once again host our Annual Fall Dinner at Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard,” states Megan Hartwick, Bethel House Executive Director. “This beautiful event serves as the primary fundraiser for Bethel House, providing crucial funding support for our organizational operations and our Emergency Assistance & Transitional Housing programs.”
The 2024 event will also celebrate Bethel House’s 30th anniversary.
“Last year’s event was the most successful Fall Dinner Bethel House has hosted, raising just over $27,000,” Hartwick adds. “This year, in honor of our milestone anniversary, we have set a very lofty goal to raise $30,000. And the way this community has always shown up for Bethel House and the families we serve, has me confident we can reach that.”
Confirmed sponsors for this year’s event include Bernie & Nancy Labovitch (Humanitarian Hero sponsor – $5,000), First Citizens State Bank, Sue & Ken Kidd and First English Lutheran Church (Community Investor sponsors – $3,000), Richard & Veronica Telfer, Bob & Sharon McCullough, Everett & Ellen Long, Harry & Barb Penington and Carole Scharinger (Family Advocate
sponsors – $1,000), and Kent Hutchins and Thayer & Anne Coburn (Hope Builder sponsors – $500).
The remaining sponsorships include one Community Investor, one Family Advocate, and four Hope Builders. Each level offers various recognition benefits, with full details available on the Bethel House website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. Sponsorship slots can be confirmed by contacting Hartwick at 262.473.2715 or director.bethelhouse@gmail.com. Sponsorships will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis.
The event is also supported by in-kind donations from Staller Estate Winery & Vineyard, Sue & Bill Chandler, Tom Ganser, and dozens of local business donors who have contributed to the silent auction.
“The generosity of Bethel House donors and supporters knows no bounds,” states Jessie Dugan, Bethel House Board President. “We are so appreciative of all who are extending financial support for this event, as well as all those who have contributed auction items, promoted ticket sales, and will be joining us on November 1st. Bethel House’s impact on local families wouldn’t be possible without this show of caring power from our community.”
Tickets for the Fall Dinner will be on sale starting Thursday, September 5th, and will remain open until October 18th or until sold out.
Tickets for the event are $75 and include a five-course dinner with wine pairings chosen by the Staller Estate staff. There will also be live orchestral music and many silent auction items for guests to bid on. Tickets can be purchased online through the Bethel House website (www.bethelhouseinc.org), or individuals can contact Bethel House to pay via mail and check.
“All proceeds from this event will support Bethel House’s critical work to prevent homelessness for children and families in the greater Whitewater community,” Hartwick adds. “The needs in our community are at an all-time high, and our staff and board of directors never cease to be amazed at the rallying support of Bethel House donors when they know local families need assistance. Bethel House believes that all families deserve a safe, stable place to call home, and we’re so thankful to all those who aid us in that work.”
Full event details can be found on the Bethel House website at www.bethelhouseinc.org. Any questions about the event can be directed to Hartwick at 262.473.2715 or director.bethelhouse@gmail.com.
Bethel House is an ecumenical project helping families facing homelessness in the Whitewater area. Bethel House provides transitional housing, emergency financial assistance, and case management to families in need.
Bethel House utilizes seven private housing units where families can live for up to one year while working on the issues that led to their homelessness. Case management services include budgeting, debt repayment, job searching, resume creation & building, life skills & decision-making, accessing other community resources & services, and much more.
Bethel House services are provided to clients free of charge and with understanding and compassion. Clients are always treated with the dignity and respect we all deserve. For more details, visit www.bethelhouseinc.org or call 262.473.2715.
Warhawk Bold meets Paralympic Gold
By Chris Lindeke
Marketing and Communications Manager
University Marketing and Communications
Seven current or former members of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s and women’s wheelchair basketball programs won gold medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, continuing a strong tradition of Warhawk success on the sport’s international stage.
John Boie, AJ Fitzpatrick, Nate Hinze, Talen Jourdan, Jeromie Meyer and Jake Williams were each part of the Team USA men, who defeated Great Britain 73-69 in the championship game to finish an undefeated run through the tournament and clinch the team’s third consecutive Paralympic title.
Hinze and Williams are now three-time gold medalists in the Paralympics. Williams led Team USA with a game-high 26 points in the gold medal victory. Boie, a member of the starting lineup with Williams, earned his second gold medal.
Fitzpatrick, a current human performance major at UW-Whitewater, Jourdan, and Meyer claimed their first gold medals competing in their first Paralympic Games.
The performance capped an incredible run through the sport for several Warhawks over the last 12 months. Williams, Fitzpatrick and Jourdan were each part of the Warhawks’ 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball Association intercollegiate national championship in March. Boie and Meyer joined the trio on the gold medal-winning Team USA at the 2023 Parapan Games last November.
Warhawk alum Mariska Beijer became a two-time gold medalist after leading the Team Netherlands women to a second consecutive first-place finish. One of the world’s top players, Beijer tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds in the Dutch’s 63-49 win against Team USA in the gold medal game.
Warhawk silver medalists included those who were part of the Team USA women — Becca Murray, Lindsey Zurbrugg, coach Christina Schwab and assistant coach Desiree Miller. Murray is now a four-time Paralympics medalist, and Zurbrugg is a two-time medalist. Schwab, the former UW-Whitewater women’s coach who currently works in the First Year Experience office, was a three-time gold medalist as a player in 2004, 2008 and 2016, and now a first-time medalist as the national team’s coach.
Other Warhawk alumni who competed at the Paralympic Games include Sammy White, whose Team Australia men finished fifth, and Vanessa Erskine and Mareike (Adermann) Miller, who helped the Team Germany women place sixth.
UW-Whitewater’s wheelchair basketball programs were highlighted in a feature by The Athletic, the sports vertical of The New York Times, in late August just ahead of the start of the Paralympic Games. The piece was published online before appearing in the August 30 print edition of the Times.
UW-Whitewater’s eight current or former student-athletes who represented Team USA in wheelchair basketball were more than any other school in the country.
New artist in The TeaLux Cafe Gallery! Terry Fair.
Awesome poster collages from Terry’s radio show!
They will hang there until October 31st, so go grab a tasty tea and check them out!!
Editor’s note: This announcement was provided by Rhonda Kolander.
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
Other Recent Posts
Click on the title to view the post. To open the post in a new tab, press Ctrl (Cmd on a Mac) while clicking on the title.
