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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Jorge Islas Martinez could have been saving lives as a doctor in Mexico, but instead, he brought his extraordinary talents to the United States, where he saves lives both figuratively and literally.
In Whitewater, Jorge has transformed the lives of more than 2,500 people by teaching them English, empowering them to fully engage and thrive in our community. His heroic actions extend beyond the classroom; he once performed the Heimlich maneuver to save a woman choking in Illinois.
Jorge’s remarkable service has been recognized with numerous awards. He received the Citizen’s Award from the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office, which praised him for going “beyond the call of duty” to save a life. On behalf of the citizens of McHenry County, the Sheriff’s Office commended him for a “JOB WELL DONE.”
In Whitewater, Jorge earned the WUL Hometown Hero Award for his unwavering dedication to the Latino community. “Jorge Islas is a real hero in our community. He has served the Latino community over most of his lifetime in this area and offers English classes not for profit, but out of a deep need to help the Latino community.” For this selfless work and his broader contributions, he was recognized in the past as an Outstanding Community Member by the University Student Organization, Latinos Unidos.
In 2005, he was honored with the “50 Who Matter” award by the Janesville Gazette. Recently, he also received an accolade from Voces de La Frontera for his commitment to promoting education and civil rights.
Jorge is a beacon of hope in Whitewater, known for his tireless efforts to support immigrants who call this city home. Born in Mexico City, Jorge’s journey led him to Whitewater, where he has lived for 31 years. His dedication was further acknowledged when he was nominated in two categories at the Community Stars Gala: Community Champion and Difference Maker.
Jorge’s path to success was not without challenges. He crossed the U.S. border as an immigrant, facing numerous hardships from farming to landscaping. One of his first jobs was weeding an onion patch without any prior experience, and he humorously recalls pulling up the wrong plants. Despite initial struggles with unfamiliar equipment and being taken advantage of, Jorge’s experiences taught him the crucial importance of learning English to communicate effectively and advocate for himself.
“As an immigrant, I have learned to confront different challenges firsthand,” Jorge says. “I understand what it feels like to be here without legal status or knowing the language.”
Now a proud U.S. citizen, Jorge’s story serves as a testament to perseverance and success. He has worked as an interpreter for the Public Health Department of Walworth County, excelled at Arrow Financial Services in Whitewater, served as a court interpreter for McHenry County, and currently works for the Public Defender’s Office of Rock and Walworth counties.
Jorge firmly believes, “Every single human has a right to succeed, regardless of their legal status or language proficiency.” His passion for teaching English stems from a lifelong love for the language. As a child, he asked his father to take him to the airport not to see planes, but to hear people speaking different languages.
In addition to teaching ESL classes in Whitewater, Jorge serves as the Bilingual Liaison for the Whitewater Unified School District. Outside of work, he is dedicated to supporting families in need through the Immigrant Support Coalition, which he recently founded. The coalition meets monthly to ensure newcomers feel welcomed and to foster trust, respect, and effective communication.
Jorge reflects, “People immigrate to the U.S. for work, to earn money, and to support their families. My goal is to assist immigrants on their journey and help them achieve their dreams.”
Grateful for the opportunity to live in Whitewater, Jorge expresses, “I am blessed to know people who welcome me with open hearts and doors, allowing me to continue helping others.”
Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL) is a locally-focused civil and human rights group that works to connect the people in our community and to create opportunities for all people to learn and support each other in our common humanity.
City of Whitewater Common Council Meeting – Tuesday @ 6:30 p.m.
Agenda includes staff reports on Mill Rate Comparisons and Municipalities Perspectives on Spring Splash like events; Resolution acknowledging of the official City List of City Landmarks, Historic Districts and Historical City Owned Property, Resolution to raise Permit Fees, second reading of Ordinance 2024-O-12 an ordinance regarding revisions to Chapter 12.22 Construction
Standards Adopted, Sidewalk Ordinance, second reading of an ordinance creating Section 16.04.255 Lead Water Service
Replacement Program-, Library costs and financing.
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/87546240118?pwd=BamGominTLHFow41FQuGDowFyN4ZaF.1
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799 US
Webinar ID: 875 4624 0118
Passcode: 721152
City of Whitewater Landmarks Commission Training/Review of Open Meeting Laws & Visioning Session – Wednesday @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda
Whitewater Municipal Building Community Room, 312 West Whitewater St.
*In Person and Virtual
Please join the meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
https://meet.goto.com/667505365
You can also dial in using your phone.
Access Code: 667-505-365
United States: +1 (872) 240-3212
Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:
https://meet.goto.com/install
Whitewater Fire & EMS Open House & Pancake Breakfast – Sunday 7-11 a.m.
Notice
Whitewater Fire Department, 312 West Whitewater St.
2024 Gala Update-HR
Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. The three-day weekend it falls on is called Labor Day Weekend.
Beginning in the late 19th century, as the trade union and labor movements grew, trade unionists proposed that a day be set aside to celebrate labor. “Labor Day” was promoted by the Central Labor Union and the Knights of Labor, which organized the first parade in New York City. In 1887, Oregon was the first state of the United States to make it an official public holiday. By the time it became an official federal holiday in 1894, thirty states in the U.S. officially celebrated Labor Day.
Canada’s Labour Day is also celebrated on the first Monday of September. More than 80 countries celebrate International Workers’ Day on May 1, the ancient European holiday of May Day. May Day was chosen by the Second International of socialist and communist parties to commemorate the Haymarket affair, which occurred in Chicago on May 4, 1886.
Source: Wikipedia
The Banner appreciates the use on the homepage of the image by ilham arief from Pixabay.
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
With apparently no notice, Whitewater’s Pizza Hut, 1107 W. Main Street, served its last pizza early this past week. A customer reported on social media that on Wednesday, August 28 there was a sign on the door stating that the restaurant was closed for maintenance. By Sunday, however, the dumpster was full to overflowing, the back parking lot was blocked off by shelving units, a large portion of the furnishings appeared to have been removed, and the host podium was on the sidewalk. The Pizza Hut website shows the Whitewater location as being closed.
Roy Rockwell posted on social media that he was the original manager of the store when it opened on October 17, 1976, nearly 48 years ago. “Sad to see it close,” he lamented.
Most recently the business was owned by EYM Pizza Wisconsin. EYM was started by Eduardo Diaz, a former president of McDonald’s Mexico. He started EYM Group in 2008 and in 2015 decided to jump into the Pizza Hut business. After purchasing the properties and franchises in several other states, EYM spent about $8.4 million in 2018 for restaurants in Wisconsin in two separate deals. By 2021 EYM decided to sell its approximately 140 restaurants, but a deal fell apart.
Nearly all Pizza Huts are owned and operated by independent franchisees; very few are company-owned. Pizza Hut is owned by YUM! Brands, Inc., which also owns Taco Bell and KFC. According to restaurantdive.com, “Pizza Hut and EYM have been embroiled in a legal battle since March when EYM filed a breach of contract lawsuit against the franchisor [Pizza Hut] accusing it of failing to remain competitive, not adapting modern practices and not using new technology. A judge denied a motion for a preliminary injunction in April.” In June, Pizza Hut counter-sued EYM, alleging that it wasn’t paying various fees as dictated by its franchise agreement. Per restaurantdive.com, “In its June lawsuit, Pizza Hut said EYM is one of its largest franchisees, but is among the worst performing in its system. The operator’s same-store sales declined 10% from 2019 to 2023, compared to Pizza Hut’s systemwide same-store sales growth of 7%. Pizza Hut accused the chain of poor operational performance, falling out of compliance for its development obligations and failing to make payments to the franchisor on a timely basis.”
EYM Pizza then filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on July 22, according to court records from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Texas. A number of other multi-unit franchisees of national brands have filed for bankruptcy in the last couple of years, including those operating some Arby’s, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Popeye and McDonald’s. Restaurantdive.com states, “Franchisees have been particularly hit by rising labor and operational costs and difficulty raising capital to finance the remodels or expansions needed to boost sales.”
Pizza Hut has been pushing EYM to sell its restaurants, but they have been unsuccessful in finding a buyer. Consequently Pizza Hut has started to move to terminate a number of EYM’s franchises. It is not known whether the Whitewater store closure was initiated by Pizza Hut or simply an indication that it was one of EYM’s less profitable locations. Pizza Hut has been looking for other operators to take over some of the stores, which could occur here, but it could be anticipated that a new operator would have a significant investment in replacing worn-out equipment and remodeling.
By the way, another division of EYM, EYM Chicken of Wisconsin, has operated five KFC restaurants in the state. All of them were expected to close by the end of August, including the Janesville location, which EYM indicates is due to its inability to negotiate an acceptable contract with YUM!
By Angela Kelm
UW-W Assistant Athletic Director for Sports Information
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater senior gymnast Kara Welsh, a national champion and two-time All-American, passed away tragically on August 30, 2024. Flags on the UW-Whitewater campus will fly at half-staff on Tuesday, September 3 in Welsh’s memory.
“To put into words the impact Kara had on the Warhawk community is impossible,” said Coach Jen Regan. “A powerful athlete, dedicated teammate, and the light in everyone’s dark days, Kara truly lifted each and every one of us up in her time as a Warhawk gymnast. There are no words to describe the void we all feel in our hearts, but Kara’s legacy will live on through Warhawk gymnastics forever.”
A phenom on the vault, Welsh holds four of the top eight scores recorded by a Warhawk gymnast in program history on the apparatus.
In addition to her high-caliber gymnastics, Welsh was a dedicated and supportive teammate. Her big personality and passion for motivating those around her helped her teammates succeed.
“Kara was a true Warhawk – an amazing person, student and athlete,” said Athletic Director Ryan Callahan. “We are all lucky to have spent time with her over the past three years. She was selfless and made everyone around her better. Our hearts go out to her mom, Nancy, and the rest of her family and friends.”
Welsh, a 21-year-old Plainfield, Illinois native majoring in business management, had an immediate impact on the UW-Whitewater gymnastics program the moment she set foot on campus. As a freshman, she was the anchor on the vault and the leadoff on the floor exercise. Welsh excelled in the high-pressure situations leading the Warhawks to a second-place finish in the WIAC Championship after tying for second on the vault. In her first National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship appearance, Welsh tied for third on the vault to earn All-America honors.
In 2023, Welsh won the vault title at the WIAC Championship meet and qualified for nationals as an individual. She went on to win the national title in the event with a score of 9.825.
In 2024, Welsh battled back from an illness to compete in the WIAC Championship meet – her first competition of the season. She stuck her vault in one of the best moments in Warhawk gymnastics history. Welsh tied the program record in the event, 9.875, and claimed the vault title for the second consecutive season. She went on to help the Warhawks to a runner-up finish in the NCGA Championship.
A GoFundMe page has been established with contributions supporting the Welsh family. For more information click here: https://gofund.me/40c1e1f4
Update 9/2/24 @ 8:40 a.m. – CBS Channel 58 stated that “Chris Davis’s brother confirmed Chris passed away from a heart condition he did not know about during his playing career. Reggie Davis called Chris his big little brother. Reggie Davis said, “He was a great man who gave his all to the youth.”
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Chris Davis Sr., a standout student-athlete for the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater men’s basketball team who was the 2012 NCAA Division III National Player of the Year, passed away Saturday, Aug. 31.
A native of Madison, Davis played at UW-Whitewater from 2010-12 and elevated the program almost immediately upon arrival. The 2011-12 Warhawks claimed the program’s third-ever national championship, reaching a height it hadn’t achieved in more than two decades.
Davis was a fixture in Madison’s basketball community, most recently serving as head boys basketball coach at Sun Prairie West High School. His son, Chris Davis Jr., was the state’s leading scorer as a junior at Sun Prairie West in 2023-24.
“Chris was one of the greatest players in the history of the Warhawk men’s basketball program,” head coach Jarod Wichser said. “His accomplishments during his time at UW-Whitewater are truly remarkable. Yet, when I think about Chris and his legacy, I will think about what an incredible father he was to Chris Jr. as well as the impact he made on so many young lives within the communities he served.”
Davis averaged 22.2 points and 7.9 rebounds per game on 54.9 percent shooting from the floor, 41.1 percent from 3-point range, and 89.0 percent from the free-throw line during the 2011-12 season. He garnered Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year and consensus first team All-America accolades, and became UW-Whitewater’s first-ever national player of the year when D3hoops.com selected him as its top honoree.
After the Warhawks won the WIAC regular season championship and reached the NCAA Tournament, Davis helped the team earn five straight double-digit for a berth in the national championship game. He registered a team-best 12 points in the final contest to help UW-Whitewater erase a double-digit deficit and defeat Cabrini, 63-60. He earned the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player award.
“Chris was the ultimate competitor and an extraordinary athlete,” said Pat Miller, the Warhawks’ head coach from 2001-23. “A national champion in two sports, Chris’s priority was always doing what was needed to win. He was one of the most passionate and gifted players I ever coached. He overcame adversity and developed both personally and athletically into the national player of the year.
“Chris’s passion for sports was extraordinary, but secondary to the love he had for his son, Chris Jr., who was the most important person in his life. He was an amazing parent and a tireless advocate for the many students he mentored and helped.
“Chris wore his emotions on his sleeve and owned who he was. It is impossible to express the sadness I have for this loss. I send my deepest condolences to his family and friends. All who knew Chris are better for it.”
A two-time first team all-conference honoree during his career, Davis finished with 1,242 points during his two seasons with the program. In 2021, he was named to D3hoops.com’s All-Decade Team for 2010-20.
Davis was also a two-year tight end for the UW-Whitewater football team, helping the team capture the national championship in 2013.
“Warhawk Nation lost one of the best to ever put on a purple and white uniform,” director of athletics Ryan Callahan said. “He was a special player and a great person. Chris stayed connected to the program and would always attend the alumni events with his son. His story is a special one and we are grateful that we were able to be part of it.
“Chris continued to give back to the community and the game he loved after he left Whitewater. Our hearts to go out to everyone close to Chris, especially his son.”
This story will be updated with funeral arrangement information as it becomes available.
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Attached photos courtesy of UW-Whitewater athletics.
Whippet Football hosted Clinton on Friday, August 30, and fell 28-6.
Coach Sam Bartlett stated, “Our game against Clinton did not go the way we wanted it to. They came ready to play physically and mentally. I’d like to give a shout-out to Darin Wecker for getting his guys ready to play.
We just could not get the ball moving on the ground. We had some success in the air throwing the ball for 165 and a touchdown. Matthew Carollo and Ty Hagedorn stepped up to give us some movement on offense through the air.
Defensively we need to do a better job of wrapping and driving on our tackles. They ran hard the entire night and were able to break tackles. In the back field we will do a better job of reading our keys. Overall, there is a ton for us to learn and get better at.
I still have all the faith in my team that we will improve throughout the season. We will not be the same team week 1 as we will be at the end of the season. I look forward to bouncing back and competing against McFarland which will be a battle we are looking forward to playing in.”
Key Stats:
Matthew Carollo 10 of 21 for 165 yards, 1TD, 1INT
Ty Hagedorn 3 catches for 73 yards, 1 TD
Article Submitted by Sam Bartlett
Whitewater High School Head Football Coach
barsa01@wwusd.org
Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
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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