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PBS News: “How a small Wisconsin community is responding to a recent migrant surge “

March 28, 2024

A national newscast on PBS News Weekend on March 23 reported on steps that are being taken in Whitewater to welcome and meet the needs of the recent immigrants to the community from Central and South America. Interviewees included Community Space Co-founders Kay Robers and Kristine Zaballos, School Board Member Miguel Aranda, immigrant advocate Jorge Islas-Martinez, Police Chief Dan Meyer, and Common Council Member Brienne Brown. The approximate six minute video may be viewed here.

#FlashbackFriday from the Historical Society: Happy Easter with a Penny Postcard

March 28, 2024

It’s time once again for #FlashbackFriday with the Whitewater Historical Society. Today the society wishes everyone a solemn Good Friday and a happy Easter Sunday. This image is another from our turn of the twentieth century penny postcard collection. And, it is a bit unusual, featuring a pair of what looks like Christmas reindeer pulling an egg with Easter bunnies and a lamb. I wonder if this is an early “joke” greeting card or the lithographer just reused a leftover Christmas image to make an easy Easter card.

Join us next week for more from the Whitewater Historical Society.

UW-W Football Announces 2024 Schedule

March 28, 2024

By Angela Kelm
Asst. Athletic Director for Sports Information
UW-Whitewater

Click here for the schedule.

The 2024 schedule features six teams that were ranked or received votes at the end of the 2023 campaign including UW-La Crosse (4th), John Carroll (20th) and UW-River Falls (24th). UW-Platteville, UW-Oshkosh and Mary Hardin-Baylor all received votes in the poll. The Warhawks were ranked 5th in the final D3football.com poll of 2023.

The Warhawks will open the 2024 campaign at home against John Carroll University on September 7 at 1 p.m. UWW defeated the Blue Streaks 27-23 on the road last season. UW-Whitewater will follow with a first-ever meeting with Roosevelt University in Arlington Heights, Illinois September 14 before wrapping up the non-conference slate at Perkins Stadium against Mary Hardin-Baylor on September 21. The Warhawks will celebrate the alumni during the UMHB game that is scheduled for a 1 p.m. kickoff. 

After a bye week, the Warhawks return to action with the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference opener against UW-Oshkosh on October 5th. That contest has been designated as UW-Whitewater’s annual Family Fest. 

UWW will head to Menomonee for a meeting with the Blue Devils on October 12 before returning home for another “Friday Night Lights” game. The Warhawks will host UW-Stevens Point Friday, October 18 under the lights at The Perk at 7 p.m. 

UW-Whitewater is back on the road headed to Platteville on October 26. The Warhawks will celebrate Homecoming and the Hall of Fame in the team’s regular season home finale against UW-River Falls on November 2. UWW wraps up the regular season with back-to-back road games at UW-La Crosse (November 9) and UW-Eau Claire (November 16). 

12th Annual Discover Whitewater Series Announced – UW-W is Again a Sponsor

March 27, 2024

For the past twelve years the Discover Whitewater Series (DWS) has been in collaboration with the University, the city, the Whitewater Unified School District, and the Greater Whitewater Committee. Through this the DWS is able to host the twelfth annual Half Marathon, Half Marathon Team Event, 5k, and Kids Korral. The DWS team is excited to announce that the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater has committed to another year of being a title sponsor! 

The 12th annual DWS will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2024. The University has supported the DWS greatly through its title sponsorship by providing volunteers from the faculty, students, alums, and student organizations. The DWS race course highlights some of the UW-W campus’s unique features, which include landmarks and their finest buildings.

Thanks to the University’s continuous support, the DWS can provide runners with course marshals and water stations throughout the race course and provide extra safety with campus police services. University faculty is also heavily involved with race planning as part of the Executive Committee. The campus facilities development is instrumental in setting up and laying out the course before race participants even arrive. This is critical in ensuring race participants are safe and satisfied with the quality and experience of the race.  

“I am thrilled to have the continuous support of the University of Whitewater; they do so much for this community. I couldn’t be more thankful for their continued collaboration”, stated Greater Whitewater Committee Chairman Crystal Singer. 

Additionally, UW-W College of Education and Professional Studies continues their support by providing free childcare with Kids Korral. Through the student organization: Creative and Resourceful Educators (CARE), student volunteers can create and oversee a safe and fun morning for the children of DWS participants. The DWS offers this as a unique selling point for parents and guardians who want to participate in the race while their children are well cared for. The Kids Korral allows participants to enjoy a stress-free running experience. 

“UW-Whitewater is proud to support the Discover Whitewater Series,” said UW-W Chancellor Corey King, “We are grateful to have such a wonderful event in the community that showcases the city of Whitewater while keeping us active. This is a huge event that brings the town and the University together. We applaud the organizers and volunteers, and cheer on all the participants.”

By sponsoring the DWS, the University can maintain their values of diversity, opportunity, service, and social responsibility. By helping the town’s initiative, it brings the city and the University together. Both UW-W and the DWS the team shares the goal of marketing UW-Whitewater and the city as a great place to go to school, live, and play. The University represents some of Whitewater’s finest attributes, and the DWS team could not be more grateful for their continuous support. 

To register for the 12th annual DWS and to learn more about its sponsors, charity partners, and the University’s involvement, visit www.RunWhitewater.com/Register.

For further details, please contact Jeffery Knight, Executive Director, at 920.728.0662 or jpk@knightpublicaffairs.com.

About the DWS

The main goal for the DWS is to promote the City of Whitewater and highlight its great features while keeping everyone in the community active. All the proceeds from the race are donated to four local non-profit partners: Bethel House (which provides interim housing for homeless families), Whitewater LEADS, the J-Hawk Aquatic Club, and a new charity partnering with UW-W Athletics. The DWS partners with the city, business community, University, and school district to make this a tremendous event that benefits all participating. For more information about the race, visit www.runwhitewater.com. 

Spring Hunter Safety Education Courses

March 27, 2024

Sheriff Fell is pleased to announce that the Rock County Sheriff’s Office will offer our first 2024 Hunter Safety Education Course on April 9, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., April 27, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., and April 28, 2024, from 8:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at the Edgerton Conservation Club, 900 Stoughton Road, Edgerton, WI 53534. Students will need to attend all sessions to graduate.

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1973, is required to complete a Hunter Safety Education Course to legally hunt in Wisconsin. Students must be at least 12 years of age or turn 12 shortly after the class.

Hunter Safety Education Course – Class #1
Session 1: April 9, from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 2: April 27, from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club
Session 3: April 28, from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. @ Edgerton Conservation Club

Registration is now open. Complete the online enrollment form to reserve a seat.
https://www.co.rock.wi.us/departments/sheriff-s-office/recreational-patrol/hunter-education

Class size is limited to thirty (30) students. Upon submission of the registration form, the submitter will see an onscreen confirmation message with course information. The course fee of $10 per student will be collected at the first session. If the student is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian will need to attend the first session with the student. Students will receive course materials at the first session. Please direct any questions to Deputy Trevor Lund at trevor.lund@co.rock.wi.us.

Coaches with UW-W Ties Take Center Stage in the NCAA Sweet 16

March 27, 2024
Nate Oaks
TJ Otzelberger

By Chris Lindeke 
Marketing and Communications Manager
University Marketing and Communications
UW-Whitewater

Two coaches of NCAA Division I men’s basketball programs with ties to the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will lead their teams Thursday night in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

Nate Oats, who worked as an assistant coach for the Warhawk men’s basketball team from 2000-02, will lead fourth-seeded Alabama against top-seeded North Carolina in a West Region semifinal at 8:39 p.m. in Los Angeles. The game will air live on CBS.

TJ Otzelberger, who played for the Warhawks from 1999-2001 and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the university, coaches No. 2 seed Iowa State, which takes on No. 3 seed Illinois at 9:09 p.m. in Boston for an East Region semifinal.

Oats helped the Warhawks win back-to-back Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season championships as an assistant coach. He worked under head coach Dave Vander Meulen during the 2000-01 campaign and under Pat Miller for the 2001-02 season.

Otzelberger was a member of the 2000-01 title winning team. He graduated in 2001 with a BBA in general business and an M.S. in curriculum and instruction in 2004.

UW Extension Presents Online: Understanding the Emerald Ash Borer: From Identification to Action

March 27, 2024

Editor’s note: The following press release was received from The UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program.

The UW-Madison Division of Extension Horticulture Program has partnered with the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab to provide a free, online program for the public focused on Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) in Wisconsin. The program airs Monday, April 1, 1–2 p.m. on Zoom. 

There is no cost to attend, though registration is required. Register at go.wisc.edu/ExtEAB.

Learn how to identify ash trees, recognize the signs and symptoms of EAB, and understand the biology of this invasive insect. The program will also cover what to do when EAB affects trees on private property and the strengths and weaknesses of different management options.

Understanding the Emerald Ash Borer: From Identification to Action
Monday, April 1, 1–2 p.m. | Zoom Webinar
Register Now

Led by PJ Liesch, Extension Entomologist and director of the UW Insect Diagnostic Lab, this program will consist of an informative presentation followed by live Q&A to answer participants’ questions.

This program will also be recorded and sent to anyone who registers.

Visit go.wisc.edu/ExtEAB to learn more and register!


These webinars are hosted by the UW-Madison Extension Horticulture Program. For upcoming events and learning opportunities, visit hort.extension.wisc.edu/events. Contact horticulture.webinar@extension.wisc.edu if you have questions about the program. 

Welcome to Holy Week Services at First United Methodist Church

March 26, 2024

First United Methodist Church welcomes all to our services during this Holy Week.

The Holy Thursday service at 7:00 p.m. includes communion. You need not be a member of our church, or any church, to participate. Our communion liturgy often begins with words spoken on Jesus’ behalf inviting “all who love him, who earnestly repent of their sin, and seek to live in peace with one another.”

The Good Friday service is ecumenical, starting at our church at noon, processing to the Congregational UCC at 12:45, and finally to First English Lutheran Church at 1:30, and concluding at 2:00. All are welcome to attend any or all of the services. A number of participants will walk from one church to another.

On Easter Sunday we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection with an 8:00 service in the Chapel and a 10:00 service in the sanctuary. The choir will be singing with brass accompaniment at the 10:00 service, which concludes with the Hallelujah Chorus. Everyone who knows the music is welcome to join in.

Obituaries

Obituary: Sally A. Schutte, 73

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

Obituary: Zachariah “Zach” Schoenke, 41

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

Obituary: Carla Winn, 82, of Kansas

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

Celebration of Life: Susan K. Miller

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

Obituary: JoAnn E Harrop, 95, of AL

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

Obituary: Russell O. “Russ” Johnson, 88

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

Obituary: Marcia Zingg, 75

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

Obituary: Amanda Jean Hunter, 49

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

Obituary: Ellen Eichmiller, 82

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

Obituary: Janet Quinn, 71, Jefferson

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