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Editor’s note: With a portion of Whitewater being in Jefferson County, Whitewater residents would be expected to be welcome regardless of whether they live in Jefferson or Walworth County. Walworth County always has at least one clean sweep annually; sometimes there has been a Whitewater event, though not last year.
Editor’s note: The following announcement was posted at UW-Whitewater on April 2.
After the completion of a national search, Provost John Chenoweth is pleased to announce that Dr. Lana Collet-Klingenberg has been appointed to serve as the Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies effective April 7, 2024.
As a distinguished teaching scholar, Dr. Collet-Klingenberg has served the college as Associate Professor and Professor as well as Chair of the Department of Special Education. Dr. Collet-Klingenberg has also served the college as Associate Dean and most recently as Interim Dean.
Dr. Collet-Klingenberg earned her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her Master of Science and Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Provost Chenoweth would like to thank everyone who provided feedback during the interview process as well as the members of the Search and Screen Committee, chaired by Vice Chancellor for University Relations and UW-Whitewater Foundation President, Katie Kuznacic, for their extensive work on this search.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Habitat for Humanity in Walworth County.
Habitat Walworth has completed its fifteenth Walworth home, in Whitewater, – a three bedroom designed for a young family of five.
The dedication and house blessing is scheduled for Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1 p.m.
Pastor Sean Walker, Chapel on the Hill, will be performing the ceremony as mom and dad (Che & Bo) welcome their two sons and daughter to their new home. The immediate family has put in more than five hundred hours of sweat equity since last fall in building the new home….framing, siding, painting, and whatever!
President Mark Gardner will be welcoming the hundred plus volunteers and supporters who have made the 1,200 SF home
possible. In addition, Mark says: “We thank the many volunteers and contractors who built this house. And we welcome Che & Bo to their new home, and look forward to identifying another Walworth family for our next build.”
Photos by Tom Ganser – Democracy in action, RAIN or shine
By Lynn Binnie
Whitewater Banner volunteer staff
whitewaterbanner@gmail.com
Turnout in the city was steady on Tuesday but not particularly strong, with 1562 people voting. Voters and election inspectors experienced the first use of the electronic Badger Books, and there were virtually no glitches. It sped up the check-in process using the digital poll books instead of the cumbersome paper books. Some other cities that have transitioned to the new technology reported concern from voters about the new system, but Whitewater poll workers reported virtually no negative comments and many positive ones.
The results shown below are unofficial until the election canvasses take place; however, most of the races were not close enough for a recount to be considered. Incumbents are designated by (I).
Whitewater Common Council: In the only competitive race in the city, former Council member Greg Majkrzak II beat Keith Staebler for an at-large seat by 786 to 532. Orin Smith won the District 2 seat unopposed with 63 votes, as did Brian Schanen with 359 votes.
Whitewater Unified School Board: The race for two seats on the Whitewater Unified School Board had three candidates on the ballot, but Larry Kachel had announced that he would be unable to serve if elected. The results were:
Jeff Tortomasi 1562
Larry Kachel (I) 919
Maryann Zimmerman (I) 1636
Walworth County Circuit Court Judge: Scholtz won the seat over Navis in the countywide vote, 14,213 to 6,283.
Walworth County Supervisor: Brian Holt (I) and Al Stanek (I) retained their seats without competition.
Town of Richmond Supervisor #3 – Alexander 301 to Wade (I) 220
Town of Richmond Supervisor #4 – Bergman 296 to Kraus (I) 231
Fort Atkinson School District Referendum passed by a squeaker, 2360 vs. 2280.
Palmyra Eagle School Board: There were three candidates for two seats.
Patrick 477
Moro 304
Williams (I) 372
Both Constitutional Amendments are projected to have passed on a statewide vote.
Children, Youth, and Family Director Position
First English Lutheran Church is hiring for a CYF Director position, working with children of all ages, planning and running events, and coordinating with schools and organizations to better serve the children and young families in our community and in our church. The position is 15-20 hours per week and pays $20 per hour. Find a link for applications about halfway down the home page, on the right at https://firstenglishlutheranchurch.360unite.com
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from Wisconsin Makers.
Iron pour at Wisconsin Makers April 6
Wisconsin Makers will host its seventh annual iron pour on Saturday, April 6.
The public is invited to this family-friendly event at the regional makerspace, located at 200 E. Clay St. in Whitewater.
Spectators are welcome to watch the “pour team” — Teresa “Tree” Lind, a former University of Wisconsin-Whitewater lecturer of art and design — and her student alumni melt cast iron in an outdoor furnace and then fill sand scratch molds with the liquid metal.
Those wishing to make their own casting may buy a scratch mold square to personalize with their design that day, starting at 9 a.m. Each scratch mold must be completed no later than 11:15 a.m.
By noon, the outdoor forge should have reached 2,700 degrees and be ready for the pour. Lind and her team will fill buckets with molten iron and pour it into the sand scratch molds. They will present the completed castings to participants by mid-afternoon.
The per-person cost is $25. Participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.
During the iron pour, grilled brats, chips, water and soda will be available for purchase.
Scratch mold workshop set
Persons wishing to get a head start on their squares may attend a scratch mold workshop at the makerspace Friday, April 5, from 5 to 9 p.m. Pizza will be available for $1 per slice.
In addition, those wishing to design a scratch mold ahead of time at home and then bring it to the iron pour may contact Ron Binning at Binning and Dickens Insurance, 319 W. Center St. in Whitewater. His phone number is (262) 473-3930.
“Your unique design will be preserved in cast iron for ages to come,” said Wisconsin Makers President Al Jewer, adding that past years’ iron pours each have drawn more than 100 people. “This is a wonderful opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art.”
To view a short YouTube video of the 2017 iron pour, please click this link: https://youtu.be/Q5HgV94OPe4.
Wisconsin Makers is a nonprofit regional makerspace (community workshop) offering an affordable, collaborative and educational environment that inspires people of all ages to become innovators by unlocking their skills through continual experimentation and training. Work areas/equipment include: 3-D printing, laser engraving, machining, welding/fabrication, electronics, blacksmithing, woodworking, ceramics/pottery, jewelry making, arts/crafts, and quilting. For more information on the iron pour or scratch mold workshop, or to learn about the makerspace or memberships, visit Wisconsin Makers’ Facebook page at @wisconsinmakers or call Jewer at (630) 430-9498.
The WHS Portfolio Committee is seeking community members to be a part of the listening audiences on Wednesday, May 22, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. We are hoping for at least 15 Whitewater Community members to participate. Community members willing to attend the presentations can email lmoll@wwusd.org or call 262-472-8203 to sign up by Friday, May 3.
Members of the Whitewater High School Class of 2024 are currently preparing for the annual Portfolio Event which will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the high school.
This event for seniors allows them to showcase their academic achievements, celebrate their accomplishments, and share their postsecondary career and academic plans before graduation. To make the presentations more meaningful, students present to an audience of WHS staff members and members of the community along with family and friends who are invited to attend.
Students present examples of their best work in core academic and elective areas, share 2 or more examples of their involvement in activities in and outside of school, or work experiences, and at least one service activity that had special significance. Students then describe their future career & educational plans and the pathway they have chosen to accomplish their career goals. Graduates end their presentation by summarizing the most important learning experiences they’ve had in high school and how they hope to use their knowledge and skills to become a productive and responsible member of society.
We are looking forward to having our community support for this event.
Article Submitted by Kate McNulty
WHS Senior Class Advisor
kmcnulty@wwusd.org
The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and Warhawk Athletics will hold a Parade of Champions Wednesday, April 3 at 3 p.m. The parade, led by the Whitewater Fire Department, will honor the 2023-24 UW-Whitewater Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Team, along with individual national champions Christian Patzka (men’s track and field), Shelvin Garrett II (men’s track and field) and Hayden Gough (women’s gymnastics).
Parade Information
Start: Perkins Stadium at 3 p.m.
Route: From Perkins Stadium down Warhawk Drive, east on Starin, south on Prairie, east on Main Street and will loop through downtown Whitewater before returning to Perkins Stadium on Fremont Street
2023-24 UW-Whitewater Men’s Wheelchair Basketball
The Warhawk men’s wheelchair basketball team claimed the 2024 National Wheelchair Basketball Association title with a 74-67 victory over Arizona on March 16 in Marshall, Minnesota. The title is the 14th national championship in program history. Six current or former Warhawks – including head coach Jake Williams and student-athletes Talen Jourdan and AJ Fitzpatrick – will represent the university as part of Team USA men’s wheelchair basketball at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games this summer.
Christian Patzka
Christian Patzka (Black Earth, Wis./Wisconsin Heights) won the 5,000-meter title at the 2024 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 8. He recorded a time of 13:59.92 – winning the race by just four-tenths of a second in a thrilling finish.
Shelvin Garrett II
Shelvin Garrett II (Beloit, Wis./Memorial) brought home the national title in the men’s triple jump at the 2024 NCAA Division III Indoor Track and Field Championships on March 9. His mark of 15.97 meters broke the UW-Whitewater program record, set the facility record and meets the minimum standard for the 2024 Olympic Trials.
Hayden Gough
Hayden Gough (Dallas, Texas/Dallas International School) captured the individual national title on the uneven bars at the 2024 National Collegiate Gymnastics Association Championship on March 23. Her mark of 9.85 is the second highest in program history. Gough is the seventh national champion on the uneven bars in program history and first in the event since 2016.
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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