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Today is Sunday, October 11, 2026
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By Sherry Stanek, chair
Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission
Whitewater’s effort at developing an arboretum in Whitewater, which is a living classroom that explains the importance of trees to all of us, and importantly, OUR importance to them, is making steady progress! After receiving national recognition and certification as an Arboretum in 2021, the 2022 DNR Urban Forestry Grant was approved to begin planting trees in earnest. This part of the work has been completed with the planting of more than 200 trees and shrubs at Starin Park, and Whitewater has been approved by the DNR to now receive the $25,000 reimbursement from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources!
This project, undertaken largely by community volunteers with strong support and contributions from the Whitewater Parks and Recreation Department and the Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Department and especially Public Works staff, was launched in early spring 2022. The $25,000 reimbursement from the DNR reflects the department’s share of developmental costs. Part of the grant required native trees to also be planted on private property. This was accomplished by the establishment of the annual Whitewater Community Tree Sale which will be held this year on April 26 from 11-6, April 27 from 8 to 4 and on April 28 from noon to 4. As a result of this work, more than 500 native trees have been planted throughout the park and wider community in the last couple of years!!
This project was also generously supported by local businesses and individual donors, including the Coburn family’s donation to erect educational signage in the arboretum. The first of these signs are now installed in the Generac Welcome and Education Center pavilion on Starin Road. These signs need to be seen in person to truly appreciate how beautiful they are, and how much information is located on them. We are very grateful to the Coburn family for making them a reality! They provide a beautiful and informative entry point to the Arboretum at Starin Park. More signage will follow in the months and years to come.
This effort is primarily volunteer supported. Individuals who may be interested in joining us are encouraged to contact the city Parks and Recreation Department’s Director Kevin Boehm at 262-473-0122. Cash contributions are always needed as are volunteers interested in watering and weeding to maintain the planting beds and to work at the annual Tree Sale. Cash contributions are managed by City of Whitewater staff and 100% of your contribution goes toward Arboretum development efforts. We are also looking for volunteers to serve on the Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission which meets on the 4th Monday of each month at City Hall at 4:30 p.m. If this interests you, please go to the City website to apply electronically. We’re looking forward to meeting you!
Congratulations to the four Whitewater High School students who have been selected to perform with the Wisconsin School Music Association Honors Ensembles. Dante Baker will perform in the Honors Orchestra. Charlotte Hajewski will sing in the Honors Treble Choir. A’lani Ross and Alexander Clarksen will sing in the Honors Mixed Choir. For the 2024 High School State Honors Music Project, almost 1,500 auditions were registered for 429 positions in five ensembles. Selection identifies a student as one of Wisconsin’s finest high school musicians. All students will attend the Honors Project camp in Green Bay this summer and perform in concert at the Overture Center in Madison in October. Thank you to the Whitewater Music Boosters for sponsoring these students!
Editor’s note: The above announcement was submitted by Karen Tordera.
On April 9th, the Whitewater Whippet Softball Team defeated the Delavan-Darien Comets 21-3 thanks in part to 14 runs in the first inning. Falyn Krahn homered to left field, scoring three runs. Gaby Kubicz doubled, scoring three runs. Paige Kollwelter doubled, scoring two runs. Sydney Schilt singled, scoring one run. Taiya Kolb singled, scoring two runs. Savannah O’Neal doubled, scoring one run. Marianna Kubicz doubled, scoring one run.
The Whippets added to their early lead after the top of the second inning when Schilt tripled, Gosh singled, and O’Neal singled each scoring a run. A single by Lauren Buehler, and a walk by Kubicz extended their early lead in the third.
O’Neal earned the win for the Whitewater Whippets. The left-handed pitcher surrendered two hits and one run (unearned). Kollwelter appeared as the relief pitcher. The Whippets had seven stolen bases in the game.
Article Submitted by Krista Sbarra
Whitewater High School Head Softball Coach
sbakr01@wwusd.org
File Photo Courtesy of Bob Mischka
Garage Sale, Saturday April 13
8 am – 2 pm
1638 W. Wildwood, Whitewater WI
Multi family sale: kids clothes, shoes, toys, household items, decor, etc.
Editor’s note: The photo on the homepage is not from this garage sale.
Looking ahead to next week:
Reynolds’ Rummage Sale
12240 E. Bradley Road
Whitewater, WI
Friday April 19th. 9-6pm. Sat. April 20th. 9-2pm
Rain or shine!
A lot of like new/new in the box Baby gear, 2-12” girl’s bikes, Lg. galvanized outdoor pots, adult clothes, dishwasher, household items and decorations!
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 complimentary “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, and of course your address. A few photos may also be included if desired; we prefer jpg format if possible.
According to a press release from the governor’s office, he is seeking applicants for the sheriff of Jefferson County. Sheriff Paul Milbrath is retiring effective August 8, 2024, and the new sheriff will serve for the remainder of Milbrath’s unexpired term ending in January 2027.
In order to apply, one must complete the “Register of Deeds, Coroner, and Sheriff” application form and submit it by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 3. Applicants with questions about the sheriff selection process may contact the Governor’s Office of Legal Counsel at GOVSheriffAppointments@wisconsin.gov or (608) 266-1212.
Whitewater Soccer played Janesville Craig in a non-conference game on Tuesday, April 9. It was an exciting game that ended in a 1-1 draw.
Craig’s goal came from freshman Nevaeh Johnson, and Whitewater’s goal was scored by senior Sophia Garcia off a corner kick by Mayte Navejas.
CJ Braker had two saves in goal for Janesville, and Marina Linos had 12 saves in goal for Whitewater.
Article Submitted by Madeleine Blain
Whitewater High School Head Girls’ Soccer Coach
mblain@wwusd.org
Editor’s Note: The following was provided by Whitewater Unites Lives.
Celebrate all of the wonderful ways in which all children add to the beauty of our community at the third annual free family-friendly International Children’s Day Celebration on Saturday, April 27 in Whitewater.
This event will include live music, games, crafts, face-painting and other activities for children of all ages and runs from noon until 4 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School. Information will be available on local and regional services for families. A variety of international food offerings from local organizations will also be for sale.
Marco Wence will perform. A student choir will sing Puerto Rican and Chinese children’s songs including one that honors the Lunar New Year. Lakeview Elementary students will drum. This is a wonderful opportunity to see the talents of our school children and community members.
“Whitewater prides itself on being a community that is supportive of all children and their families. April 27 is an opportunity to celebrate International Children’s Day and those who care for, support, and encourage children here and around the world,” said Miguel Aranda, planning committee member.
Representatives from the Mexican Consulate of Milwaukee will be at the event, providing information and answering questions.
The World Conference for the Well-being of Children in Geneva, Switzerland, proclaimed June 1 to be International Children’s Day in 1925. It is usually marked with speeches on children’s rights and wellbeing, and other events involving or dedicated to children. A similar event, Universal Children’s Day, falls on Nov. 20. It was established by the United Nations in 1954 and aims to promote the welfare of children around the world. The first celebration of International Children’s Day in Whitewater was held in April of 2022. Many countries around the world celebrate the day in late April.
Sponsors of International Children’s Day Celebration include Whitewater Unified School District, Whitewater Unites Lives, and Whitewater Kiwanis Breakfast Club.
The Whitewater Federation of Women’s Clubs (WFWC) is pleased to announce that its Ladies and Young Ladies Tea Party will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Whitewater’s beautiful Bassett House. We will have two seatings: First Seating 1:00 to 2:00 PM, and Second Seating 3:30 to 4:30 PM. All ladies over six years old are welcome. Delicious refreshments, tea, and lemonade will be served in the charming ambiance of one of Whitewater’s loveliest old homes. This is a wonderful spring tradition that you won’t want to miss.
Ticket prices are $30 for an adult and a child; $10 for additional children; and $25 for a single adult. Make checks out to the WFWC and mail them to Linda Robinson at 957 W. Highland Street/Whitewater, WI 53190. Alternatively, you may pay via Venmo: Whitewater Federation. In either case, please indicate the number of adults attending, the number of children attending (if any), and First or Second Seating. Space is limited, so buy your tickets soon. The ticket purchase deadline is April 14, 2024.
All proceeds will go to the Bassett House Preservation Fund, which the WFWC will use to ensure the preservation of the Bassett House, one of Whitewater’s oldest historic homes. The Bassett House is located at 708 W. Main Street in Whitewater.
For more information, contact Linda Robinson at linrob73@gmail.com
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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