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The Banner has been serving Whitewater, Wisconsin since August 1, 2006

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Local Student Named to Dean’s List at Nebraska

June 24, 2024

William Hofmann of Whitewater has been named to the Deans’ List at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for the spring semester of the 2023-24 academic year.

Hofmann, a junior majoring in advertising and public relations, was named to the Dean’s List for the College of Journalism and Mass Communications.

More than 6,600 students at Nebraska were named to the Deans’ List for the spring semester.

Qualification for the Deans’ List varies among the eight undergraduate colleges and the Explore Center. Listed below are the minimum requirements for each entity and the name of its respective dean or director. All qualifying grade-point averages are based on a four-point scale and a minimum number of graded semester hours. Students can be on the Deans’ List for more than one college.

  • College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, 3.75; Dean Tiffany Heng-Moss.
  • College of Architecture, 3.75; Dean Kevin G. Van Den Wymelenberg.
  • College of Arts and Sciences, 3.7; Dean Mark E. Button.
  • College of Business, 3.6; Dean Kathy Farrell.
  • College of Education and Human Sciences, 3.75; Interim Dean Nicholas J. Pace.
  • College of Engineering, 3.5; Dean Lance C. Perez.
  • College of Journalism and Mass Communications, 3.7; Dean Shari Veil.
  • Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, 3.7; Dean Andy Belser.
  • Explore Center for undeclared, pre-engineering, pre-health and pre-law students, 3.6; Senior Associate Vice Chancellor and Dean of Undergraduate Education Amy Goodburn.

What’s With the Temporary Tower at Prairie & Starin?

June 24, 2024
Photo courtesy of Tom Ganser

Those passing by the corner of Prairie Street and Starin Road in recent days likely couldn’t miss this AT&T tower in the UW-W parking lot, and probably wonder what its purpose is. Tom Ganser learned from Jeff Angileri, University Marketing & Communications Director, that it’s a temporary tower while maintenance is done to the existing communications equipment atop Winther Hall.

Lynn Binnie is a Hometown Hero

June 23, 2024

Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives (WUL.)

Lynn Binnie is a WUL Hometown Hero, and has been nominated by David Stoneman, “For his volunteer work as Editor of Whitewaterbanner.com and for the countless hours he donates in order to help Whitewater residents stay well-informed.”

Hometown Hero Lynn Binnie

WUL (Whitewater Unites Lives) 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.   

Anyone who would like to nominate a local hero of any age should send their nomination, with a short description, to whitewaterunites@gmail.com 

Josh Patterson Joins First Citizens State Bank

June 23, 2024
Josh Patterson

Nate Parrish, President of First Citizens State Bank, is pleased to announce that Joshua (Josh) Patterson has joined the Bank as Vice President – Business Banker at the Main Office, located at 207 W. Main St., Whitewater, Wisconsin.

Josh has over 18 years of experience in the financial industry. He is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College receiving his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and has also completed the Wisconsin Bankers Association Real Estate Compliance School and The Center for Financial Training, North Central States Inc. Commercial Lending School.

In making the announcement, Nate Parrish said, “We are thrilled to welcome Josh to our team as our new Business Banker. With an extensive and diverse background in banking, he brings a wealth of experience in all loan types. This expertise will be invaluable in supporting our community’s financial needs.

“His deep community involvement aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering local development and prosperity. We are confident that Josh’s leadership and dedication will significantly enhance our services and strengthen our community ties.”

Josh resides in Jefferson with his wife and four children. An avid Wisconsin sports fan and follower, he also enjoys being a volunteer youth coach, camping with family and getting out on the golf course. He serves on the Board for ThriveED of greater Jefferson County and is an Affiliate Board member of the Jefferson County Board of Realtors. He is also a member of the Realtors Association of South Central Wisconsin and the Watertown Rotary Club.

Josh commented, “I am thrilled and excited to be a part of such a historically committed local institution and fantastic pillar of the community as First Citizens State Bank. I look forward to meeting, forming, and growing many valued relationships with the great people and businesses throughout the southeastern part of the state.”

First Citizens State Bank, locally-owned and operated since 1863, is committed to serving the communities in which we live, work, and do business. We are proud of the partnerships we have established with organizations, businesses and individuals in South Eastern Wisconsin. First Citizens State Bank has full service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

Local Student Graduates from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

June 23, 2024

Saint Mary’s celebrates May graduates 

WINONA, Minn. (June 20, 2024) — The following Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota student completed requirements for bachelor of arts degrees in May 2024.

About Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Grounded in Lasallian Catholic values, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota awakens, nurtures, and empowers learners to ethical lives of service and leadership. Whether in person or online, adult or undergraduate, students are treated with respect, taught with humanity, and supported by faculty and staff committed to their success in programs designed to prepare graduates for today’s and tomorrow’s careers. Founded in 1912 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota enrolls nearly 4,100 students at its undergraduate and graduate programs on campuses in Minneapolis, Rochester, Winona, and online. Saint Mary’s offers a highly personal, real-world-ready educational experience that fully prepares students to work, lead, and serve with character and purpose. Learn more at smumn.edu.

HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, PARENT(S) Whitewater, WI

 Ryann Aschenbrener, Crystal Aschenbrener

The Library Presents Let’s Explore Walworth County’s Historical Places

June 23, 2024

WALWORTH COUNTY’S HISTORICAL PLACES PRESENTATION
 
Join Michael Rehberg, lead interpreter at Black Point Estate and Gardens, for the presentation “Let’s Explore Walworth County’s Historical Places” on Wednesday, June 26 at 5:30 p.m. at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library. Participants will learn about outstanding historical buildings in Walworth County and discover which ones you can visit and which ones are private.

This presentation is for adults, although interested teens are welcome. There is no cost or registration to attend. The library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library at 262-473-0530 with questions.

Free Magic Show at the Library

June 22, 2024

The community is invited to a family-friendly magic show with professional entertainer Zach Percell of TnZ Magic at the Irvin L. Young Memorial Library on Monday, June 24 at 4:30 p.m. Zach uses comedy, visual magic, mentalism, escape artistry, and sleight-of-hand.

All ages are welcome to attend this free event. No registration is required. The Irvin L Young Memorial Library is located at 431 W. Center Street in Whitewater. Contact the library with questions at 262-473-0530.

Our Readers Share: Carol McCormick – Saturday 9:19

June 22, 2024

Carol McCormick writes, “Looking North after the storm went through Saturday evening. Fortunately we dodged the bullet.

Our thanks to Carol McCormick for sharing this striking photo.

— Our Readers Share: We hope that you might have something that you’d be willing to share.  Anything that’s been created by someone else should, of course, be credited, and you should ask their permission if you’re able. We cannot post copyrighted material without permission. We can’t guarantee that we’ll have space for all submissions, and contributions will be subject to editorial board approval. The one definite exclusion is anything politically oriented. We will assume that you’re willing for us to include your name as the submitter unless you indicate that you prefer to remain anonymous. Send to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com. Thanks for thinking about this!

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

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

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

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

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

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

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

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

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

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

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

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

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

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

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

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

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

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

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

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