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Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026
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The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs wishes to thank the UW-Whitewater students who came to the Bassett House on April 26th to assist club members with our yard work. The students were part of the university’s “Make A Difference Day” and they absolutely made a difference. We are so thankful for their assistance in maintaining the lovely gardens of this historic Local Landmark. They did an absolutely fantastic job. Our Heroes!
Editor’s note: This press release was submitted by Pat Blackmer, Bassett House Preservation Chair.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance (WAA) invites photographers of all levels to submit their photography for consideration in the 15th Annual Fran Achen Juried Photography Exhibition.
The gallery exhibit will be held during the month of July, 2024 at the WAA’s Cultural Arts Center Gallery. The photographs in the exhibit will be displayed on the walls of the gallery and, concurrently, in an online virtual exhibit that will appear at the WAA website.
New this year: a free commemorative PDF catalog containing all of the photographs chosen for the exhibit will be produced and made available for download.
All are welcome to enter. Submissions must be received no later than Wednesday, May 29 and must include 1) a completed online entry form, 2) entry fee of $35 ($30 for current WAA members), and 3) emailed digital copies of entered photos. The entry includes submission of up to four photographs. Complete information, along with the online entry form, key dates, and rules is located at www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2024
Contacts
- Jeff McDonald, Exhibit Chair – waa.franachen@gmail.com
- Kim Adams, WAA Gallery Director – wwartsalliance@gmail.com
Awards
- First Place Award: ($150)
- Second Place Award: ($125)
- Third Place Award: ($100)
- Viewer Choice Award: ($75)
- Honorable Mention Certificates
Key Dates
- Entries, fees, and image files due: Wednesday, May 29, 2024
- Notice of acceptance: Wednesday, June 5, 2024
- Gallery exhibit dates: July 5 – 28, 2024
- Reception and awards presentation: Sunday, July 7, 2024 (1 pm – 4 pm), awards at 2 pm
- Viewers’ Choice Award Announcement: Sunday, July 28
Entry Fees
- $30 for current WAA members, $35 for non-members
- Fee includes up to 4 photographs
- An entrant may optionally enter 2 additional photographs (making a total of 6) for an additional fee of $20
- Photographs must receive an acceptance to be included in the exhibit.
Entry Process
- Described in detail at www.whitewaterarts.org/fran-achen-2024
An opening reception featuring the presentation of awards will be held Sunday, July 7 at 1:00 P.M. at the Cultural Arts Center where light refreshments will be served. Voting for Viewers’ Choice will continue throughout the run of the exhibit and its winner will be announced Sunday, July 28.
Jeff McDonald, the exhibit’s 10-year chair and a longtime WAA board member, said, “The Fran Achen exhibition is an annual highlight. Fran Achen was a revered member of the community and an exceptional photographer. His collection of images continues to inspire. This exhibit, named in his honor, is an excellent opportunity to showcase the outstanding work created by both established and aspiring area photographers. The participation and support of many skilled artists from all over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois is greatly appreciated and is the reason for this program’s continued success. Each year brings a new crop of inspired work.”
Admission to the exhibit and its reception are free of charge, open to the public, and all are invited. The gallery is open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 12:00 P.M. (Noon) to 4:00 P.M. and the website is open 24/7. The exhibit runs from Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 28.
The Whitewater Arts Alliance believes art plays a significant role in transforming the cultural fabric. It brings people together, fosters dialogue and reflection, and creates a sense of pride and ownership.
Large items will be picked up in the City of Whitewater on Thursday:
~ May 2, May 9, May 16, and May 23, 2024~
- These additional pick ups are for garbage or recycling items that are too large to fit in the toters. This does not include yard waste, construction materials, hazardous materials or electronics (including TVs).
- An Electronic Recycling Event is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 9 am – 1 pm, in Lot B (Cravath Lakefront).
- Place all large items including furniture, carpeting, large metal, large cardboard boxes (emptied and flattened) and appliances 6 ft. away from, and not in front of or next to, the toters.
- Items such as automotive batteries, tires (2 per home per month), drain oil (in sealed 1-5-gallon container) should also be 6 ft. away from the toters.
- Solid waste containers, recycling containers and bulk items should not be placed at the collection point sooner than 4:00 pm on the day before the collection day.
- No items should remain at the curb line after 9:00 am on the day after the scheduled collection time.
For additional pick-up information or removal of TVs, please contact John’s Disposal at 473-4700 for current disposal rates.
More information can be found on the City’s website under Chapter 8.28 – Refuse and Recyclables:
https://library.municode.com/wi/whitewater/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT8HESA_CH8.28RERECO
More information regarding John’s Disposal can be found at: https://www.whitewater-wi.gov/231/Johns-
Disposal-Service.
Whitewater School Board/Whitewater Education Association Bargaining Session – Wednesday @ 3:45 p.m.
Agenda: Exchange 2024-25 proposals
Whitewater Unified School District Central Office
419 South Elizabeth Street
City of Whitewater Lakes Advisory Committee – Wednesday @ 4:00 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Approval of Proposed Scope of Work to be
performed by SEWRPC for phase one of the Comprehensive Lake Management Plan for Cravath and Trippe Lakes.
Cravath Lakefront room 2nd floor 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 the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89512410529?pwd=S0xrUzJBUzlrNjF6d1ZvbFlTQWc2Zz09
Meeting ID: 895 1241 0529
Passcode: 519198
Dial 1 312 626 6799
City of Whitewater Special Common Council Meeting – Wednesday, @ 6:00 p.m.
Agenda: Discussion and Possible Action regarding Interviewing and Appointing of Interim Municipal Judge.
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 the webinar:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87127076222?pwd=wxPtUDQztDcWQ_ntZqbYyE73IWWujw.RvK1-Rz-fAlmtbk_
Telephone: +1 (312) 626-6799
Webinar ID: 871 2707 6222 Passcode: 095330
The $21,169 grant will support the production of critical incident mapping data for first responders
The Whitewater Unified School District has been awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to fund the mapping of all district buildings, ensuring compliance with state mandates and bolstering the district’s security and emergency responsiveness.
Under the provisions of the 2017 Wisconsin Act 143 and 2021 Wisconsin Act 109, schools are eligible to apply for grant funding to cover the expenses associated with obtaining digital maps of buildings required by the Office of School Safety (OSS), a division of the DOJ. These maps must include site-specific data, such as building numbers, floor identifiers, room numbers, and other features, to serve as resources for first responders in case of critical incidents.
The district will receive the $21,169 grant to fund the production of the required critical incident mapping data for the OSS.
“We appreciate the Whitewater Police Department’s role in advocating for the critical incident map grant. Additionally, we want to thank John Houwers, Director of Technology, who contributed tremendously to the completion of this process,” said Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent, “Access to digital maps will significantly improve our district’s security measures and aid first responders in emergencies. We are appreciative of this grant opportunity and the benefits it will offer to WUSD’s existing safety plan.”
Public, private, and tribal schools may apply for up to $5,000 in WI Act 109 grant funding per building, with a district limit of $200,000. These funds must be used for site-specific critical incident mapping data to improve security and increase situational awareness for first responders.
To learn more about Act 143, Act 109, and the DOJ School Safety Grants, visit www.doj.state.wi.us/office-school-safety/school-safety-grants.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by the Whitewater Unified School District.
By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater football program has a “Week of Giving” planned for April 29 through May 3. The week features community service and educational engagements.
Monday, April 29 — Reading with the Warhawks at Washington and Lincoln Elementary Schools
Warhawk football players will partner with children at both Lincoln and Washington Elementary Schools in Whitewater to read books.
Tuesday, April 30 — UWW Football Visits Fairhaven
The UW-Whitewater football team will make an appearance at Fairhaven Senior Services in Whitewater to visit and play games with residents.
Wednesday, May 1 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Presentation
Representatives from the National Marrow Donor Program will be presenting to the Warhawk football team about the work they do every day to save lives through marrow transplants.
Thursday, May 2 — Warhawks Cure Cancer, NMDP* Recruiting Event on Campus | Event Flyer
Warhawk football and representatives from the NMDP will hold a recruiting event for the donor registry from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the south side of the University Center at UW-Whitewater. The Warhawks encourage anyone interested in learning more about becoming a marrow donor or joining the registry to visit the booth!
Friday, May 3 — UWW Football Outdoor Cleanup Project
The Warhawk football team will assist the UW-Whitewater facilities crew with various projects at the outdoor athletic complexes on campus.
*NMDP is a global nonprofit leader in cell therapy. With their partners, NMDP drives groundbreaking research, treatment and support to cure blood cancer, blood disorders and beyond. NMDP has previously been known as Be The Match and the National Marrow Donor Program, but the mission has remained: Find cures. Save lives.
The Whitewater Track and Field team went to Fort Atkinson to compete in a large nine school competition on Friday, April 26. The competition was rained out for the second straight year after the handful of events were able to take place. Attached are photos of two athletes who got a chance to compete before the competition was halted.
Senior David Rubio had a 37’3″ Triple Jump for a fourth place before the rain came and, freshman Emy Islas ran the 100 Meter race in a heavy downpour for an 11th place finish.
Article and Photos Courtesy of Bob Mischka
With warmer weather upon us, Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership wanted to get ahead of bike safety month in May and purchased over 100 helmets for students at Lincoln Elementary School. Every single student had the opportunity to have a helmet ordered for them!
We want to impress upon all our readers within the community the importance of bike safety and remembering to watch out for bicyclists.
Stay safe and have a healthy summer!
Warmly,
Lincoln Family Teacher Partnership
Editor’s note: This announcement was submitted by Tamela Acker. The Banner appreciates having permission to use the image on the homepage by Jyotirmay Datta Chaudhuri from Pixabay.
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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