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Students from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater’s College of Business and Economics (CoBE) DECA Chapter had very successful results at the 2026 International Career Development Conference (ICDC), including winning a National Championship in International Marketing.
The Collegiate DECA ICDC brings together 1,200 Collegiate DECA members to engage in competitive events, professional development academies, networking and more. This year’s conference was held from April 18-21 in Louisville, KY and 25 students represented UW-Whitewater at the international stage.
The UWW chapter walked away with 70 individual/team awards from the conference, including a number of students/student teams who made it to event finals, and several students who placed in the top three of their events. Below is a rundown of the finalists from UWW and a few select team honors.
Chapter Honors
UW-Whitewater was recognized as having the sixth largest Collegiate DECA chapter in the country.
Student Honors
International Marketing, 1st Place, Team of Shalomi Sahabandhu (Senior, Accounting BBA) and Carla Martinez-Falero Gestoso (International Student)
Professional Sales, 2nd Place, Caden Boehnen (Senior, Entrepreneurship BBA)
Sales Management & Leadership, 2nd Place, Caden Boehnen
Advertising Campaign, 3rd Place, Team of Tamber Pelischek (Senior, Accounting BBA), Mady Lockman (Junior, Accounting BBA), and Ella Duckworth (Senior, Accounting BBA, Finance 2nd)
Human Resources, Top 10, Ellie Goeden (Junior, Accounting BBA)
Retail Management, Top 10, Tiana Heitmann (Junior, Finance BBA, Entrepreneurship 2nd)
Financial Statement Analysis, Top 10, Team of Hayden Itzenheiser (Junior, Associate of Arts Collaborative) and Shalomi Sahabandhu, Team of Ellie Goeden and Tiana Heitmann
Hotel & Lodging, Top 10, Rylee Monroe (Sophomore, Political Science BS)
Travel & Tourism, Top 10, Megan Hermes (Senior, Accounting BBA, Finance 2nd)
Digital Marketing Strategies, Top 10, Anna Quartucci (Senior, Communication BA), George Zimbric (Junior, Marketing BBA, Finance 2nd), Team of Evan Kraucyk (Junior, Marketing BBA) and Caillean Braatz (Sophomore, Communication BA)
Marketing Management, Top 10, Andrew Fictum (Sophomore, Business Education BSE)
Business Ethics, Top 12, Team of Sarah Arndt (Senior, Finance BBA) and Janvi Chauhan (Junior, Finance BBA)
Entertainment Marketing, Top 12, Team of Evan Kraucyk and Caillean Braatz
These accomplishments demonstrate the impact of experiential learning and the exceptional talent of the students who engage in it. The results reflect both individual excellence and the College of Business and Economics’ commitment to providing hands-on educational experiences that support student success and future career readiness.
About UWW DECA
UW–Whitewater’s Collegiate DECA chapter prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management at both the high school and collegiate levels around the globe. Members compete to solve real-world business problems, volunteer their time to serve the local community, and engage with students across campus to build new relationships and professional networks. Learn more at uwwdeca.com/.
More about the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics (CoBE)
Wisconsin’s largest business college, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater College of Business and Economics, is home to the #1 ranked online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) program in the State, of single schools. The College of Business and Economics offers a rich breadth of co-curricular activities to enhance student development and learning outcomes. CoBE is in the top 1% of the world’s business schools, earning both AACSB and AACSB Accounting Accreditation (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). For more information on the College of Business and Economics, visit uww.edu/cobe or email cobe@uww.edu.
Editor’s note: This press release was provided by the UW-Whitewater College of Business and Economics.
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has announced its 61st class to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Former student-athletes Dana Thompson Askey ’11 (women’s basketball/track and field), Brian Butzler ’12 (cross country/track and field), Karla Eggerson (track and field), Emily Gerber-Kluck ’11 (women’s basketball), Ron Haidinger ’76 (wrestling/football), Aubrey Lewis-Byers (men’s basketball), Jessica Stang Markgraf ’11 (softball), Caitlin Hogan Perry ’10 (volleyball), AJ Raebel ’09 (football) and Travis Van Zile ’03 (baseball) will be inducted. Frank Barnes, the illustrious head coach of the Warhawk men’s and women’s tennis programs, will be inducted under the category of staff/coach, while longtime UW-Whitewater supporter Ken Dahnert will be inducted for his distinguished service to the institution.
All 12 individuals will be recognized for their contributions to Warhawk Athletics as part of the UW-Whitewater football team’s game against UW-Stevens Point on Saturday, October 24, at 1 p.m. Inductees will be honored at halftime of the football game and at the annual Hall of Fame Banquet, which begins following the contest at 4:30 p.m. at the University Center’s Hamilton Room.
Biographies for all the recipients may be found here.
More information on the Hall of Fame Banquet, including registration, will be posted in August.
Frank Barnes is one of the most decorated coaches in the history of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and UW-Whitewater. Barnes grew the men’s and women’s teams into a model of consistency and competitiveness accumulating more than 800 career wins over the course of 23 seasons at the helm of the Warhawk Tennis program. From 2010 through the 2025 campaign, the UWW men’s program was unbeaten in league play. On the women’s side, Barnes led the Warhawks to a streak of 130 consecutive victories against WIAC opponents leading to a streak of 18 straight league titles.
On the national scene, Barnes guided the Warhawk women to qualification and participation in the NCAA Division III Team Championship 17 seasons while the men made the national tournament 16 times from 2007-25. The Warhawks went on to advance to the Sweet 16 eleven times in that span. Over the course of his career, Barnes coached more than 45 individual national qualifiers, 33 All-Americans, 11 Academic All-Americans, 12 WIAC Judy Kruckman Scholar Athletes and 76 Chancellor Scholar Athletes. Barnes was named the ITA National Coach of the Year in 2023-24 and was the Professional Tennis Registry National College Coach of the Year, across all divisions, in 2010. He has earned regional and conference coaching accolades 17 times and was selected as the Women’s Tennis Coach on the WIAC’s All-Time Team in 2012.
Barnes’ legacy goes well beyond the court. He has been lauded for his commitment to the sport of tennis and engagement in the community. Barnes has received multiple honors for outreach and has served on numerous committees. Additionally, Barnes created and continues to help maintain one of the top tennis camps and clinics in the nation, welcoming more than 700 youth tennis players to campus each summer.
Ken Dahnert has exemplified the spirit of service, generosity, and community partnership through more than 25 years of unwavering support for Warhawk Athletics. As the owner of Rocky Rococo’s in Whitewater, Dahnert has become a trusted friend and dedicated advocate for countless UW-Whitewater student-athletes, coaches, and programs.
His impact extends far beyond financial contributions. Dahnert regularly provided team meals during academic breaks, sponsored hospitality rooms throughout the year, and worked closely with coaches to ensure camps and clinics were well supported with food and resources. His commitment to the success of Warhawk Athletics has been evident in every aspect of his involvement.
A steadfast supporter of the annual Warhawk Auction & Raffle, Dahnert has consistently been one of the event’s leading donors and supporters, helping generate critical resources that benefit student-athletes across multiple sports. He has also provided employment opportunities to numerous UW-Whitewater students and student-athletes, offering valuable work experience while supporting their educational pursuits.
Known for his generosity and hospitality, Dahnert routinely went above and beyond to assist visiting teams and guests, helping create a welcoming experience for all who came to Whitewater. His selfless dedication, loyalty, and lasting contributions have left an indelible mark on Warhawk Athletics and the university community.
Ron Binning wrote on June 3, “The backyard was good today.” He identified the beautiful bird as an Indigo Bunting.
Our thanks to Ron for sharing another beautiful 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!
Please join the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in congratulating our 1,469 May 2026 graduates from the Eau Claire and Barron County campuses. The full list of graduates is available at: https://www.uwec.edu/offices-services/commencement/graduate-list-and-archived-commencement-materials
The local student who received a degree and their fields of study is:
Whitewater, WI
Rye Fader, Business, BBA, Marketing
Whitewater Book Buddies volunteers will be working at Arby’s on Wednesday, July 8 from 5:00 – 8:00. 10% of the profits during that time will be donated to purchase supplies for children participating in the Book Buddies program, September to December 2026.
Updated Pres Release from the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency concerning the tragic incident that occurred on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency (GLLEA) are conducting a joint investigation into a tragic, fatal boating incident that occurred on the afternoon of Friday, July 3, 2026, on the waters of Geneva Lake.
The Geneva Lake Law Enforcement Agency extends its deepest, most heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.
Out of respect for the family enduring this horrendous event, the names of the individuals involved are not being released at this time.
On Friday afternoon, a sudden and severe storm system swept across Walworth County and the surrounding area. The National Weather Service estimated peak winds during the event to be between 90 and 100 mph. The storm produced severe downburst winds that downed hundreds of trees and damaged several buildings, rapidly creating extremely hazardous boating conditions on Geneva Lake.
GLLEA received multiple emergency complaints regarding capsized boats and individuals in the water. While all other distress calls were resolved positively, one incident resulted in a severe tragedy.
A privately owned 25-foot 2024 Nautique P25 vessel, which features a maximum capacity of 19 passengers, was navigating the lake during the storm. The boat was being operated by a 47-year-old male with extensive boating experience. Nine additional passengers were on board, including:
A 75-year-old male
A 73-year-old female
A 49-year-old female
A 46-year-old male
A 44-year-old female
A 12-year-old male
A 10-year-old female
A 7-year-old female
A 6-year-old male
The occupants were residents of Batavia, Illinois; Wheaton, Illinois; and Fontana, Wisconsin. Initial investigation records show that all juveniles on board the vessel were wearing life jackets of proper size and fit.
As boating conditions rapidly deteriorated, the operator attempted to seek safe refuge. Unable to find safe harbor, the operator relied on his training and experience, turning the vessel directly into the wind. The vessel was struck by at least two large waves that broke over the bow, causing the vessel to take on a significant amount of water and begin to list to one side. The vessel was then struck by an additional large wave to its side, causing it to roll, capsize, and send all 10 occupants into the water. After capsizing, the vessel quickly sank below the waterline.
Following an immediate 911 notification from a passing vessel, emergency responders initiated a rapid rescue operation. First responde rs successfully recovered seven individuals—six adults and one child—before being alerted that three children remained unaccounted for. Following an intensive search, divers located the sunken vessel in 32 feet of water. The three missing children—ages 10, 7, and 6, were located inside. Divers were able to free the children from the vessel and bring them to the surface.
Lifesaving measures were administered immediately at the scene by emergency personnel and continued continuously during transit to local medical facilities. Despite these exhaustive efforts, all three children were later pronounced deceased. Preliminary medical information indicates the children suffered no external injuries, and the preliminary cause of death is consistent with freshwater drowning.
We recognize the extraordinary, immediate efforts of the City of Lake Geneva PoliceDepartment, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, the Town of Linn Police Department, the Lake County Illinois Sheriff’s Office, the City of Lake Geneva Fire Department, the Village of Fontana Fire Department, the Hebron Illinois Fire Department, MABAS Division 103 Dive Team, MABAS Division 4 & 5 Sonar Team, the Water Safety Patrol, the Walworth County Medical Examiner’s Office, and all first responders who risked their own safety in an attempt to save lives during this horrible tragedy. We also would like to thank Austin Pier Service with their assistance that they provided.
No further details are available. The investigation is continuing.
Commander Craig Rasmussen
Editor’s note: TomTheWeatherman provides analysis of the devastating storm on this video.
this video
Whitewater Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program is in full swing! Bookworms and aspiring bookworms of every age are invited to read books, win prizes, and attend fun, FREE events. Here is next week’s lineup for children, teens, and adults:
Bhangra in India: A Lively Farm Dance Adventure
Monday, July 13th
4:00-5:00 PM
Ages 6-11
Join a magical journey of the dances and stories of India. Explore an Indian farm in the state of
Punjab to discover the fascinating tales and learn the very popular Bhangra Harvest Dance!
Stuffed Animal Taxidermy
Tuesday, July 14th
3:00-4:30 PM
Ages 12-18
Registration required.
Stuffies make great wall trophies! All supplies provided for you to turn a beloved stuffie into a
proud display.
Storytime
Wednesday, July 8 th
9:30 AM
Ages 0-5
Stories, songs, and general silliness with Miss Deana! No registration required.
If you have any questions, please contact Deana Rolfsmeyer at (262) 458-2788 or
drolfsmeyer@whitewater-wi.gov
Tie-Dye Catapult
Thursday, July 16th
11:00-12:00 PM
Library parking lot
All ages
Bring your own T-shirt to tie-dye with the help of the Whitewater Police Department and our
trusty catapult.
Editor’s note: Unfortunately, the Line Dancing event’s registrations have already reached full capacity. Anyone who registers now will be placed on the waitlist.
Free Line Dancing Class at the Library
Community members are invited visit the library and join instructor Terri Dellamaria for a dance class that will engage the brain and body
This event will be held in Meeting Room 1 of Whitewater Public Library at 431 W. Center St. in Whitewater on Thursday, July 16 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM
This program is for adults. Registration is required. Visit whitewaterlibrary.org/events to register in advance. You may also email hswanson@whitewater-wi.gov or call 262-473-0113 to register, or with any questions.
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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