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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Universities of Wisconsin.
What started as a hobby became a lifestyle for University of Wisconsin-Whitewater student Charlie Shilhavy.
“I wake up and I think about music, I go to sleep thinking about music,” said Shilhavy, who plays bass. “It’s something that brings me joy and gives me purpose – to be able to create, perform and learn. It’s hard to put it into words what it does for me. I feel like I’m on the right path following music.”
UW-Whitewater and its surrounding communities are reaping the benefits of his passion, and he will be recognized for his work by a national organization.
Shilhavy, a music major from Racine, was named the 2024 recipient of the Student Exemplary Service Award from the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) as part of the organization’s Student Chapter Awards. He will be honored at the ASTA National Conference on March 20-23 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Shilhavy is the fourth Warhawk to win the award in the last 11 years, joining Jasmyn Kosier (2020), Alexa Zakutansky (2018) and Deanne Carloni (2013).
He put in his name for the award with the encouragement of Benjamin Whitcomb, UW-Whitewater professor of music and faculty advisor to the ASTA chapter.
“I applied for it not really thinking much of it, but it was really cool to win it,” Shilhavy said. “It was nice to see recognition from the national chapter, so it means a lot to me. It makes me feel like I’m actually making a difference.”
Shilhavy has served as president of UW-Whitewater’s ASTA chapter for the last three semesters. He leads efforts by the group to promote string education and string performance on campus and in the community. The group performs for residents at nearby Fairhaven Senior Services and works with local elementary, middle and high schools to advocate for string education.
As part of Music in our Schools Month in March, Shilhavy will lead UW-Whitewater’s music ensembles out into the community to perform for students in their schools. ASTA also organizes string educational sessions and boot camps for UW-Whitewater music education majors who don’t play a string instrument, but will someday teach it.
Shilhavy also works at UW-Whitewater’s Strings Summer Camp, sharing his music acumen and wisdom with middle and high school students, and is a student staff member for the department of music.
Shilhavy plays bass for UW-Whitewater’s Chamber Orchestra and bassoon for the Whitewater Symphony Orchestra, the university’s flagship orchestra. He has been a recipient of multiple scholarships during his time as a Warhawk, including the College of Arts and Communication Scholarship and the college’s Outstanding Junior Award scholarship.
Life at UW-Whitewater didn’t start easily for Shilhavy – he came to UW-Whitewater during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was in the high school graduating class of 2020, so there wasn’t a lot going on campus when I got here, but I got introduced to the ASTA chapter,” Shilhavy said. “At the time, there’s not much we could do, but we were still creating videos of us playing and sending them to Fairhaven and around schools. It felt really good for me to do stuff like that.”
He found his niche in the department of music and ASTA, building relationships with fellow students and the faculty, a reason he pointed to for choosing from among a handful of options to attend UW-Whitewater coming out of Racine Horlick High School.
“We’re a big department, but we’re also a small department in the sense that everyone knows everyone,” Shilhavy said. “The faculty really make a point to build that relationship with their students. They’re always pushing us to be better and to explore, learn and create. It’s a really welcoming environment and it’s conducive to learning.”
Shilhavy will hold his next student recital for bass on April 20 from 1-1:30 p.m. at the Greenhill Center of the Arts. The event is free to attend and does not require a ticket for entry.
After completing his coursework this spring, Shilhavy will student teach during the fall 2024 semester and finally cross the stage to receive his degree in December — an opportunity he didn’t get as a high school student during the height of the pandemic.
He hopes to use his triple certification — which includes instrumental, choral, and general music — to land a K-through-12 teaching job and eventually earn a master’s degree.
“I want to end up in a place that needs me — a place that could use my personality, my knowledge,” Shilhavy said. “I want to make a difference for some kids and be that reason they come to school, like my band director was for me.”
A brief video by Kyle Winter with an interview and performance by Shilhavy may be viewed here.
The Student Exemplary Service Award recognizes and rewards college string students who distinguished themselves as active members and supporters of ASTA while in college. Criteria includes ASTA membership, participation in string-related activities on campus, and service and outreach for both the university and ASTA.
Other past winners of the award include students from high-profile institutions including Florida State University, the University of Colorado, Texas Tech University and others.
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the Whitewater Unified School District.
Whitewater High School (WHS) Consumer Home and Auto students have accomplished remarkable feats and built valuable skills during a lengthy, hands-on project.
The comprehensive wall project equipped students with theoretical understanding and allowed them to apply their learning in a practical setting. The students began with the fundamentals of construction, learning how to build and frame a 4′ by 4′ wall using 2x4s, with studs precisely spaced at 16 inches on center.
Students next cut and hung drywall on the frame and were introduced to the art of mudding both flat and corner seams. Then, they delved into electrical work and, after installing a one-way light switch, finished their project with paint, using proper technique.
“I am so proud of the hard work the students put into this extensive project. We spent extra time honing techniques in the hands-on steps that they will likely use in their own homes in the future,” said Mr. Justin Buntrock, WHS Automotive instructor. “My favorite part is watching the excitement in the students when they flip the light switch they installed themselves. This project always brings a sense of accomplishment and confidence for the students.”
The success of this semester-long endeavor underscores the effectiveness of experiential learning in preparing students for practical challenges they may encounter in the future. The Consumer Home and Auto program at WHS continues to provide students with a dynamic and engaging education that goes beyond the classroom, preparing them for success in both their personal and professional lives.
The Whitewater Boys’ and Girls’ Wrestling Teams wrapped up their season in the place all wrestlers in Wisconsin want to end up as a high school student, and that is the floor of the Kohl Center participating in the WIAA individual Wrestling Tournament. This is a spectacular event that is a wonderful event to be a part of. The team had some very tough draws as of the 7 participating wrestlers, 5 of them competed against a state champion, state runner up, two 3rd place finishers, and a 5th place finisher (who was a two-time runner up in years past) in their first round matches. The Whippets came up short in these matches, but based on the credentials of their opponents they have nothing to be ashamed of and can look in the mirror and be proud of themselves.
As the season comes to a close the coaching staff is very pleased to have been a part of a team that won the Rock Valley Conference Valley Division, won their regional, and had the opportunity to both host and participate in the Team Sectional Tournament. The team broke a school record for most team pins in a season as well as finished in top four for takedowns in a season. We should not look at our last competition but rather the culmination of the great things that happened for each of our students over the last four months. Congratulations to our 7 state qualifiers and to the entire team as well.
Article Submitted by John Schimming
Whitewater High School Head Wrestling Coach
jschimming@wwusd.org
Editor’s note: The following press release was received from the ADRC of Walworth County. The Banner apologizes for the late posting of this announcement. Please call to ensure that space is still available.
Real Health Talk: ADRC of Walworth County Hosts Mind Over Matter Workshop
For women, aging well sometimes means confronting some inconvenient (and often embarrassing) truths: Half of all women age 50 or older will experience incontinence at some point in their lives. The Mind over Matter: Healthy Bowels, Healthy Bladder program, offered by the Walworth County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), is a small group, community-based program proven to improve bladder symptoms for 71% of participants, and bowel symptoms for over 55%.
In three, two-hour sessions held every other week for one month, Mind over Matter gives participants strategies for reducing incontinence. This interactive workshop engages women to work together to set and meet personalized goals and is led by a trained female facilitator. The workshop is designed specifically for women age 50 or older, who live independently, have experienced bladder/bowel issues, or are interested in preventing them. Participants can expect to leave with an understanding of how muscles work and exercises that can reduce incontinence. Participants will build confidence through goal setting and know when to seek the expertise of a health professional.
Mind over Matter will be held on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., February 27 to March 26, at the East Troy Area Intergenerational Community Center, 2040 Beulah Avenue, East Troy. The workshop has a suggested donation of $10.
For questions, or to register for the program, contact Chetney Blaszczyk RDN, CD at (262) 741-3309.
About the ADRC of Walworth County: The ADRC provides information and assistance to older and disabled adults, their friends, family, caregivers, and the public. We can assist by evaluating your current needs and providing options available to meet the needs of your situation. Learn more at www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center.
Rehearsal photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The Whitewater High School (WHS) Players will be presenting Thornton Wilder’s (who was born in Madison, Wisconsin) American classic, “Our Town,” Feb. 29 – Mar. 2 at 7 p.m. and Mar. 3 at 2 p.m. in the newly named James M. Stewart Auditorium located at 534 S. Elizabeth Street.
General admission tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling the box office at 262-472-8178.
In the true spirit of “Our Town,” the WHS Players has partnered with the Whitewater Historical Society to present “Streets of Whitewater.” A detailed collection of historic photographs, rarely-seen artifacts, and stories of the early days of Whitewater will be on display before each performance.
The Whitewater Unified School District (WUSD) invites the community to the dedication of the high school’s auditorium to honor WUSD school board member James (Jim) M. Stewart on Saturday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m., before the performance.
City of Whitewater Urban Forestry Commission – Monday @ 4:30 p.m.
Agenda includes Discussion regarding Arboretum signage, Discussion and update regarding tree tags, Discussion and possible approval of Territorial Tree Playground ideas, and Presentation and Discussion from Jaime Wiegel regarding the Whitewater Effigy Mounds.
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.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89935976147?pwd=TlVCYlEzOGlJMEp0RjV4WmpHemJYUT09
Meeting ID: 899 3597 6147
Passcode: 214149
Dial by your location
1 312 626 6799
Meeting ID: 899 3597 6147
Passcode: 214149
Whitewater Unified School District Policy Review Committee – Monday @ 5:30 p.m.
Whitewater High School Library, 534 South Elizabeth Street
Agenda: 221.1, Recruitment and Appointment of Administrators and Coordinators; 222.1, Administrator Contracts
Whitewater Unified School District School Board – Monday @ 6:30 p.m. Closed session – 7:00 p.m. – Open Session
Whitewater High School Library
534 South Elizabeth Street, Whitewater, Wisconsin
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6:30 p.m. via Zoom Online – CLOSED SESSION to consider the findings and conclusions of a personnel investigation concerning a specific previous support staff member and to discuss the conduct of a specific certified staff member.
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83745425111?pwd=ZjU1Q0JWWUlJekRnbTg0U0g5bW1FQT09
– Passcode: 454314
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 837 4542 5111
– Passcode: 454314
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Open Session
Agenda (Click on “meetings” in upper right corner) includes 2024-2025 Calendar Approval.
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7:00 p.m. via Zoom Online
– URL: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89008053362?pwd=WS9TTjFVNWUrNjVwejB4dHNHbnBtUT09
– Passcode: 452162
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– Dial-in: 1-312-626-6799
– Webinar ID: 890 0805 3362
– Passcode: 452162
City of Whitewater Finance Committee – Tuesday @ 5:00 p.m.
Agenda
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:
Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.
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Editor’s note: The following press release was received from The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc.
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker, Inc. is dedicated to preserving and expanding the legacy of Lorine Niedecker, a preeminent 20th century Wisconsin poet. Our organization offers access to research archives and educational materials, and publishes The Solitary Plover, a semiannual newsletter, and What Region, a monograph series. More information about this organization can be found at https://lorineniedecker.org/
The Friends of Lorine Niedecker will host a reading by the poets published in the Winter 2024 Solitary Plover on Thursday, February 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST.
We invite you to join us for this virtual reading conducted on Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86490079677?pwd=qca05GzRcVegmGK6YarutYSa4VhkeU.1
Meeting ID: 864 9007 9677
Passcode: 520557
Photos courtesy of Tom Ganser
The agenda for the Whitewater Unified School District Legislative Breakfast was as follows:
1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
- A. Introduce Wisconsin State Legislators and Whitewater School Board Members – Larry Kachel, School Board President
2. DISTRICT UPDATE
- A. Welcome – Dr. Caroline Pate-Hefty, Superintendent
3. SCHOOL DISTRICT PRIORITIES & PROPOSED LEGISLATION
- A. Mental Health Supports & Special Education Funding – Dr. Lanora Heim, Director of Pupil Services
- B. 2023 Senate Bill 973 – Dr. Lanora Heim, Director of Pupil Services
- C. Multilingual Services Funding – Melania Argueta Borchert, Multilingual Services Coordinator
- D. State Funding for Post-Secondary Options for Students – Brent Mansky, High School Principal
- E. ACT 20 Timeframe/Implementation – Terilyn Robles, Director of Teaching and Learning
4. LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
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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