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Today is Monday, October 12, 2026
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By Angela Kelm|
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
Eastlake, Ohio – The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater wrapped up the 2024 campaign as the NCAA Division III runners-up after splitting a doubleheader with Misericordia Thursday afternoon in Eastlake, Ohio. The Warhawks forced a decisive third game in the NCAA Division III Championship Series with a high-scoring 16-10 win in game one. Misericordia came back to defeat the Warhawks in game two 10-5.
Championship Thursday was an offensive onslaught – UW-Whitewater was firing on all cylinders in game one while the Cougars took over early in game two. The Warhawks blasted 19 hits including 5 homeruns in the opener. Misericordia outhit UWW 14-11 in game two.
Michael Hilker Jr. got the ball in the first game of the day and the offense had his back from the get-go. Aaron Holland tagged the second ball he saw in the bottom of the first for a 1-0 lead. The Cougars came back to knot the game 1-1 in the top of the second, but the UWW offense was just getting started.
The Warhawks quieted a raucous Cougar fan base with a five-run second. The bottom of the frame saw a pair of RBI singles plate three runs before Eli Frank blistered a two-run blast to give UWW a 6-1 advantage. One of those singles was a hard shot into the right center gap by Matt Scolan. He recorded his 74th RBI of the season on that hit, breaking the UW-Whitewater program record for runs batted in during a season.
Andy Thies registered back-to-back jacks in his next two at bats. His first of the game came on the first pitch of his third inning at bat. In the fifth, he laced a no-doubter that easily cleared a 20-foot-high billboard behind the right center wall to extend the margin to 8-1.
Scolan got in on the long ball action later in the fifth with a three-run four-bagger. UWW added a single run on a groundout in the bottom of the sixth to make it 12-1.
Misericordia chipped away, plating three in the seventh and four in the eighth, mostly off of base knocks, to cut the lead to 12-8.
The Warhawk offense continued to surge and responded in the bottom of the eighth to give UW-Whitewater a cushion heading into the ninth. Dominick McVay plated the first run on a single through the right side. Two batters later, Holland tallied another base hit with a RBI single to right field. Scolan sent a deep fly ball to center for a sacrifice fly in the next at bat to push the lead back to eight, 16-8.
The Cougars were able to bring in two in the ninth, but the Warhawks got out of the jam to force a decisive third game in the best-of-three series.
Thies led the potent offensive effort with a 4-for-4 game at the plate adding four runs scored and a pair of RBI on his two solo homers. Scolan was 4-5 at the dish with a game-high six runs batted in.
Hilker Jr. claimed the win on the mound fanning five while allowing four runs in six innings of work. He capped the 2024 campaign with a 9-2 record. Relievers Sava Dupor, Ethan Wickman, Logan Eisenbarth and Jack Hagen combined to finish out the game for UWW.
Game two was a much different story with a rare 1-2-3 inning against the Warhawk offense sparking the Misericordia faithful in the stands. In the bottom of the first frame, the Cougars capitalized on early free bases before the bats heated up to the tune of seven runs on six hits including four doubles.
Misericordia added two more in the third courtesy of a pair of hits and a UWW miscue for a 9-0 advantage.
UW-Whitewater got on the board in the top of the fourth. Frank opened the inning with a single through the left side. Adam Cootway made it back-to-back base hits with a single to third. Following a fielder’s choice, Thies continued his phenomenal day at the plate with a double to right center that brought in UWW’s first run. Sam Paden plated the second run of the frame on a groundout in the next at bat.
The Cougars pushed their advantage back to eight with a single run in the bottom of the fifth. A leadoff single was followed by a sacrifice bunt and a pair of balks for the score.
The Warhawks cut the margin to five with three runs in the eighth. Cootway and Danny Hopper both scored on throwing errors by the Cougar catcher. Thies came around to score on Paden’s double down the right field line to make the score 10-5.
Cootway bolstered the offense in game two, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a run scored. Thies ended his day perfect in the batter’s box adding 2-for-2 in game two to his 4-for-4 in game one.
Cade Berendt suffered the loss to move to 7-2 on the season. Jack Hagen, Max Huseboe, Dupor and Hopper saw time on the mound in relief in the championship game.
Five Warhawks represented UW-Whitewater on the 2024 NCAA Division III Baseball Championship All-Tournament Team. Bennett Frazer, Hopper, Paden, Scolan and Cootway combined for 59 hits including 5 doubles, 1 triple and 7 homeruns. The five added 33 combined runs and 36 runs batted in over the course of the eight-game championship.
The nation’s top offense was on full display at the 2024 championship as the Warhawks belted 95 hits including 29 that went for extra bases. UW-Whitewater blasted 15 homeruns including two five-homer games – both are second-most in championship history. UWW’s seven homeruns in the final three-game series including the five-homer outing in Thursday’s opener are both championship series records.
The 2024 Warhawks tied the program record for wins in a season with a 45-12 record. UW-Whitewater also set program single season records in games played, hits, runs batted in, runs, total bases and strikeouts. The squad won the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season title for the 22nd time in program history, the league tournament title for 8th time and were NCAA Division III Regional and Super Regional champions this season.
With the victory in game one, Head Coach John Vodenlich tied the WIAC record for most wins with 728. Coach Vodenlich holds an overall record of 728-229-1 in 21 seasons at the helm for UW-Whitewater.
Photos of the May 11 event courtesy of Tom Ganser
Classic Car Show Benefits LHCC Residents
Lakeland Health Care Center (LHCC), a skilled nursing facility operated by Walworth County, will host its Third-Annual Lug Nuts & Donuts classic car show on Wednesday, June 12, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.
“Providing activities and bringing the outside world to our residents is important to their morale and well-being,” says LHCC Administrator Denise Johnson. “For many of our residents, classic cars remind them of their youth and are a profound source of joy.”
Local gearheads will show off their classic rides and sports cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other motorized vehicles in LHCC’s front driveway. Donuts are provided. The residents will choose a first-place prize. The rain date is Wednesday, June 19.
Anyone interested in entering their classic car in the show should contact the Lakeland Health Care Center Recreation Department at (262) 741-3677.
Lakeland Health Care Center is located at 1922 County Road NN, Elkhorn. Learn more about Lakeland Health Care Center at www.co.walworth.wi.us/260/Lakeland-Health-Care-Center.
Editor’s note: The Banner appreciates having permission to use the photo on the homepage by Melk Hagelslag from Pixabay.
Estate sale
Chester & Harriet Millard
454 Douglas Court
Whitewater, WI
Saturday, June 8th – 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 9th – 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
(Numbers issued 1/2 hour prior to sale each day)
Square oak table, Pressback chairs, music stand, Lincoln rocker, Sofa, Swivel rocker, Sofa sleeper, 3 piece wicker set, Lazyboy
Fenton, Fiestaware, Depression, Candlewick & Lenox glassware
Snow blower, Magna rototiller, Troybilt & Honda lawn mowers
John Deere bike
And much, much more
See Craigslist for complete listing and pictures.
All sales final – No refunds – Cash – Sold in “as is” condition – No early sales – Not responsible for accidents
Please bring help and tools for removing your items on the day of purchase; our staff is unable to lift or load items.
For any questions contact Shirley Erdman, 920-563-9039.
The spring semester Dean’s List at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls has been released by Registrar Kelly Browning. It honors 1,456 students.
To be named to the Dean’s List, a full-time undergraduate must earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 on a scale of 4.0, or midway between an “A” and “B” average.
About UW-River Falls:
UWRF is a student-centered institution that provides excellent accessible academic programs serving the needs of our region, the state and beyond.
Whitewater, WI
53190, Owen Kramer, Animal Science
53190, Gwen Truesdale, Agricultural Engineering
A Banner Service – Garage Sale Ads
As a result of a reader’s comment that it’s hard to find garage sales in Whitewater now that we no longer have a weekly shopper, the Banner staff agreed to begin a “consolidated” garage sale posting that will be published by Thursday morning for the upcoming weekend’s sales. This announcement will only be for garage sales (a sale of miscellaneous household goods, often held in the garage or front yard of someone’s house) in the city and school district boundaries. We will not be accepting, for example, ads for cars or other items that are not part of a scheduled garage sale. There will be a limit of three times per year for a particular property.
Those wishing to place a notice must send the information to whitewaterbanner@gmail.com by Wednesday at 6 p.m. You may include a brief description of the items that are for sale, the hours and days of the sale, of course your address, and if you wish, a few photos.
More about this exhibit may be found here.
Gallery Exhibit Hours
Thursdays: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Fridays: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Saturdays: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sundays:12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
A staple of campus and the local community for nearly half a century, the Children’s Center at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has been named as a 2024 recipient of the Academic Staff Excellence Award from the Universities of Wisconsin Board of Regents.
UW-Whitewater’s Children’s Center addresses a critical need in the area as Whitewater is considered a childcare desert — the city does not have enough local, accredited childcare to accommodate working families. It offers year-round, full-day care for children aged 3 months to 6 years and provides a learner-centered, collaborative early care and educational environment for children, families, educators and pre-service teachers, working with numerous departments on campus to provide a high level of care.
“The Children’s Center’s commitment to academic partnerships goes beyond traditional disciplines, with collaborations in sustainability, nutrition education, music, art, and library services,” Chancellor Corey A. King said. “This multifaceted approach enhances the educational experience for university students while addressing the diverse needs of the community.”
In the announcement released by the Board of Regents, the board echoed the center’s benefit to UW-Whitewater, which produces the most licensed teachers in the state and offers respected programs in related disciplines such as school counseling and literacy.
“The program has built and strengthened partnerships across campus since its opening in 1974. A longstanding partnership with the communication sciences and disorders program involves graduate students providing services that include screening, prevention, assessment, and treatment for speech, literacy, and language needs. This collaboration not only benefits the children at the center but also offers vital clinical experiences for speech-language pathology graduate students.”
Following a Reggio-Emilia-inspired practice, which emphasizes learning by teachers alongside their students with a focus on experiential learning in relationship-driven environments, the Children’s Center also holds itself to the state’s highest standards as a Department of Children and Families (DCF) license holder and a YoungStar accredited school.
The center employs a looping model, where teachers stay with the same group of children for multiple grade levels to build strong relationships, bonds and continuity.
The Children’s Center has built and sustained mutually beneficial partnerships with the university’s early childhood education, communication sciences and disorders, special education, and kinesiology programs, and with the sustainability and camps and conferences offices. Students within those programs receive hands-on learning experiences that are critical for their development in their major and for pinpointing what they want to do after graduation.
Chelsea Newman, director and lead teacher at the Children’s Center, places a high value on the relationships built between teachers and children as well as the collaborations between the center and these campus groups.
“It really enriches the environment that we’re able to provide here at the center not only for our kids, but also for the students,” Newman said.
The center continues to build on those campus partnerships, recently working with Warhawk Athletics to have student-athletes play with the children on the playground just outside of the Roseman Building, where the classrooms are located. Newman and her team, working with the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, have also reinstated literacy groups in the 4K classroom for the first time since the onset of the COVID pandemic.
A total of 64 percent of Children’s Center enrollees are children of university employees, and more than 6,000 placement hours are provided annually for students completing fieldwork and in student teaching in the early childhood program.
“It means the world to me and our family that our son can be on campus with me,” said Nicole Weber, academic advisor in the College of Education and Professional Studies. “The development and growth opportunities that are awarded to the kiddos in the center are beyond what I imagined. The teachers in our classrooms have assisted our son in building his confidence, imaginative nature, and, of course, his adventurous side. None of this would be possible without having a center like this one in my workplace.”
The center’s impact extends beyond campus. Students from Whitewater High School fulfill their child development course requirements at the site. Graduate students from other institutions seeking an early childhood license are placed at the center.
During the 2023-24 academic year, the center addressed family needs by adding school-age childcare when Whitewater schools are not in session and a drop-in site in the University Center for children ages 2-12.
The drop-in site is supported by the Child Care Access Means Parents in School (CCAMPIS) grant. Newman said grants and state funding have been critical in supporting the center’s initiatives and staff, some of whom don’t receive enough compensation to send their own children to the center, as well as the families who utilize the center’s services.
“I feel like funding has to be given in order to make it more feasible for families to afford,” Newman said. “Otherwise, it’s just that never-ending cycle of, ‘How are we going to afford this?’ I know we have a family here who pays almost $30,000 for three kids. If we want people to stay in the workforce, something’s got to give for our families.”
Newman and her team are hopeful that future funding can support other opportunities, including expanding infant and toddler spaces to meet high demand and working with the library on campus to create family study rooms with toys and other furnishings provided by the Children’s Center.
“We’re really trying to think outside of the box of what more we can do for the greater campus community who maybe doesn’t necessarily utilize us — thinking about how else we could help them succeed,” Newman said.
The Children’s Center will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall. For Newman — who earned her BSE in elementary education and early childhood licensure at UW-Whitewater and will receive her MSE in Early Childhood Education Policy this August and who has been a lead teacher for the last 12 years — this milestone is a testament to the value it holds both on campus and in the local community.
“By doing more research on all the things we’ve accomplished in the last 50 years, we’ve continued to grow not only within the center and what we offer here, but grow within our partnerships with campus and the community,” Newman said.
The relationships she’s built throughout her time at UW-Whitewater — and those her department continues to build — become apparent each time she leaves the Roseman Building.
“We’re able to collaborate and meet different professors or academic staff and build on those connections,” Newman said. “I feel like whenever we go for walks, every year, it’s more people that I’m able to say hi to.”
The Board of Regents Academic Staff Excellence Award recognizes the excellent and invaluable service provided by non-instructional administrative and professional academic staff throughout the Universities of Wisconsin.
The Children’s Center will receive $7,500 for professional and/or program development activities and be recognized Friday, June 7, during the Board of Regents meeting at UW-Milwaukee.
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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